Kevin Tidgewell

Kevin Tidgewell, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Kentucky. He holds a BS in Chemistry from Mercyhurst University, a PhD in Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry from the University of Iowa, and postdoctoral training at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. His research focuses on marine natural products and synthetic chemistry for CNS disorder drug discovery, particularly targeting pain, depression, and substance use disorders. Tidgewell’s lab integrates marine cyanobacteria-derived compounds with medicinal chemistry to identify novel therapeutics. He has also contributed to educational initiatives, including undergraduate research programs and global health curricula.

Education:

• B.S. Chemistry, Mercyhurst University
• Ph.D. Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, University of Iowa
• Postdoctoral Fellowships: Scripps Institution of Oceanography (UC San Diego), Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Research Interests: Tidgewell’s work spans marine natural products chemistry, drug discovery for CNS disorders, and neuromodulatory receptor pharmacology. His lab investigates serotonin receptors (5-HT7R/5-HT2C), TRPV1 channels, and GPCRs as therapeutic targets. Recent efforts emphasize leveraging cyanobacterial metabolites for antiparasitic, anticancer, and analgesic applications. His research also explores the pain-depression comorbidity and opioid alternative therapies.

Articles Trends: His publications highlight marine-derived compounds for CNS disorders, synthetic strategies for bioactive molecules, and ethnopharmacological approaches to pain management. Recent work includes structural elucidation of cyanobacterial metabolites and identification of PXR activators in botanical extracts.

Advising & Grants: Tidgewell mentors through programs like the Pain Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE), fostering future clinical and scientific leaders. His lab has secured support for drug discovery projects targeting neglected tropical diseases and cancer.

Labs & Teams: The Tidgewell Lab at UK focuses on marine natural products synthesis and pharmacology. Collaborations include global institutions in Panama, Darién, and Curaçao for biodiversity-driven drug discovery.