John D. Buynak

John D. Buynak is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he has served since 1981. He holds a B.S. from Case Western Reserve University (1975) and a Ph.D. from Rice University (1980), followed by an NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship at Yale University (1980–1981). His research focuses on designing novel antibiotic agents, particularly beta-lactamase inhibitors to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii. Collaborations span academia and industry, emphasizing synthetic strategies and medicinal chemistry.

Key research interests include organic synthesis of beta-lactam antibiotics, development of metallo-beta-lactamase inhibitors, and enzymatic mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Buynak has authored numerous publications and patents, including provisional patents on carbapenem derivatives (2016–2017). He teaches advanced courses in organic and medicinal chemistry, reflecting his expertise in synthetic and medicinal applications.

Grants include funding from the NIH, National Science Foundation, and Welch Foundation, supporting projects on enzyme inhibitors and antibacterial agents. His work addresses global challenges in antibiotic resistance, with a focus on creating compounds effective against Gram-negative pathogens.