معرفی
Justin J. Maresh is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the College of Science and Health at DePaul University. He maintains an active research program focused on synthetic chemistry and biochemistry, with particular interest in developing drug candidate molecules using biological systems. His teaching responsibilities include General Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Drugs, Chemicals, and Living Systems.
Dr. Maresh's research centers on harnessing the synthetic power of organisms to generate drug candidate molecules without relying on petrochemical raw materials. His work involves developing synthetic routes to produce novel molecules for testing on enzymes and living cells, leading to two elegant processes that produce high yields with low-cost chemicals using aqueous phase chemistry. His students apply kinetic analysis and classical biochemistry to study reactions, enzymes, and whole cell biotransformation products.
His publication record demonstrates expertise across organic synthesis, biochemistry, and natural products chemistry, spanning from 2006-2014. Key research themes include alkaloid biosynthesis, enzyme mechanisms (particularly strictosidine synthase), and the development of bioactive molecules with pharmaceutical potential. His work bridges synthetic methodology development with biochemical applications.
- American Chemical Society member
- Phytochemical Society of North America member
- Chair of Chemistry Development Committee
- Member of Institutional Biosafety Committee
- Chemistry Curriculum Committee participant
Dr. Maresh has developed extensive educational resources for students, including spectroscopy references, organic chemistry tools, data processing techniques, and guides for critical thinking and discussion facilitation, reflecting his commitment to innovative pedagogy in chemical education.
