Lisa Oppegard

Lisa Oppegard is an Associate Professor at the College of Health & Wellness, Northwest Health University. She holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a BA in Biology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Her research focuses on antibiotic activities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compounds and topoisomerase inhibitors, particularly investigating their mechanisms of action against bacterial and human enzymes. She teaches courses such as Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, and Directed Research.

• Education:
  • PhD in Molecular Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
  • BA in Biology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Her research interests center on developing novel antibiotics and understanding the biochemical pathways of topoisomerase inhibition. Key areas include fluoroquinolone chemistry, gyrase-mediated resistance mechanisms, and natural product-derived compounds like simocyclinone D8. Recent work explores enzyme-drug interactions and their implications for drug design.

Dr. Oppegard has been recognized with multiple teaching awards, including the Dean's Award for Distinguished Teaching (2021, 2017) and Undergraduate Teacher of the Year honors (2020-21, 2016-17). Her funded projects include an American Heart Association Post-Doctoral Fellowship.

• Grants/Projects:
  • American Heart Association Post-Doctoral Fellowship