Keykavous Parang

Dr. Keykavous Parang is a Professor at Chapman University with dual appointments in the School of Pharmacy and the Schmid College of Science and Technology. His expertise spans medicinal chemistry, drug delivery, and peptide nanotechnology, making significant contributions to both academic and pharmaceutical research fields. Dr. Parang has established himself as a leader in peptide-based drug delivery systems and antimicrobial research.

Education:

• Doctor of Pharmacy from Tehran University of Medical Sciences (1989)
• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from University of Alberta, Canada (1997)
• Postdoctoral studies at University of Alberta, Rockefeller University, and Johns Hopkins University

Research Interests: Dr. Parang's research focuses on the intersection of chemistry and biology, particularly on medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, nanomedicine, and drug delivery. His work involves applying synthetic organic chemistry to biological challenges. Current research areas include utilizing cyclic and hybrid cyclic-linear peptides for drug delivery, designing peptides with antibacterial and antifungal properties, developing multifunctional agents with antiviral, anticancer, and antibacterial activities, and creating inhibitors for protein tyrosine kinases. His laboratory has made significant contributions to peptide-based drug delivery systems and antimicrobial peptide research.

Publication Trends: Dr. Parang's recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on peptide-based drug delivery systems, particularly cyclic and amphiphilic peptides for antimicrobial applications, cancer therapy, and nucleic acid delivery. His work shows increasing interdisciplinary collaboration across chemistry, biology, and pharmacology, with a growing emphasis on translational research that bridges basic science with clinical applications. The trend indicates expanding applications of peptide technology in addressing drug resistance challenges across multiple therapeutic areas.

Scientific Awards:

• Academy of Pharmacy Professionals (APP) Academic Excellence Award (2024)
• Chapman University Million Dollar Club (2022)
• CUSP Culture Award: Diversity and Inclusion (2021)
• AIMS Award (2021)
• AACP Catalyst Program (Accelerating Research Leadership, 2017-2018)
• AACP Catalyst Program Fellowship (2017)
• AACP Teacher of the Year (2015)
• Listed among world's career top 2% of scientists by Stanford University (September 16, 2024)
• Top 12 Scientists at Chapman University (AD Scientific Index 2025)

Advising and Grants: Dr. Parang has guided numerous faculty members and has supervised 25+ postdoctoral fellows and visiting scientists. Additionally, he has mentored 30+ graduate students and 65+ undergraduate students. His laboratory has been funded with $6.59 million from NIH, American Cancer Society, NSF, Industry, USAID-CONRAD, Kay Foundation, and many other funding agencies since October 2000. His research program demonstrates consistent funding success across multiple federal and private sources.

Laboratories and Research Teams: Dr. Parang leads a multidisciplinary research group focusing on peptide chemistry and drug delivery systems. His laboratory has established infrastructure for peptide synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation. The team includes graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate researchers working collaboratively on various aspects of peptide-based therapeutics. His leadership has helped establish research infrastructure and core facilities at Chapman University's School of Pharmacy.