معرفی
Lou Charkoudian serves as Professor and Chair of Chemistry at Haverford College, where she maintains an active research program and teaches undergraduate courses. Her dual expertise bridges chemical biology and STEM education research, with significant contributions to both academic domains.
Her research focuses on Streptomyces bacteria and the biosynthesis of therapeutically relevant molecules, particularly through type II polyketide synthase pathways. She integrates original research opportunities into classroom settings and investigates intrapersonal factors affecting STEM student success. Her work emphasizes undergraduate collaboration, with all publications featuring student co-authors.
- National Institutes of Health (R15)
- National Science Foundation (CAREER, RUI, RCN)
- Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation
- Research Corporation for Science Advancement (Cottrell Scholars Award)
Publication trends reveal deep specialization in acyl carrier protein interactions and polyketide engineering, with recent work expanding into STEM education psychology. Over 75% of her publications since 2013 involve undergraduate co-authors, demonstrating commitment to research-based learning.
- Cottrell Scholars Award
- Cottrell College Science Award
- Article highlighted in C&EN News (2014)
Charkoudian has mentored over 100 undergraduate researchers through classroom-integrated projects and independent labs. Her grants consistently support student stipends and equipment for hands-on research. She develops symbiotic outreach programs connecting campus work with local community initiatives, creating reciprocal learning environments. Current projects focus on engineering polyketide pathways and measuring coping mechanisms in STEM failure scenarios.
