Michael Pollastri

Michael Pollastri serves as Senior Vice Provost and Academic Lead of the Roux Institute at Northeastern University, overseeing academic and research initiatives. He joined Northeastern's Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology in 2009, became department chair in 2015, attained full professorship in 2017, and served as interim dean of the College of Science from March 2019. His academic journey began with a master's degree from Duke University, followed by a doctorate developed through a unique partnership between Pfizer and Brown University's Department of Chemistry.

• Duke University: Master's degree
• Brown University/Pfizer: Doctorate

Pollastri's research centers on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery for neglected tropical diseases, with emphasis on human African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis. His work pioneers kinase inhibitor repurposing, multiparameter compound optimization, and structure-activity relationship studies to develop novel antiparasitic therapeutics. He integrates high-throughput screening with lead optimization strategies to address critical unmet medical needs in resource-limited settings.

Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals consistent focus on optimizing quinazolines, azaindoles, and carbazole derivatives against kinetoplastid parasites. His work demonstrates systematic progression from hit identification to lead optimization, with particular attention to physicochemical properties, target specificity, and broad-spectrum activity against trypanosomatid pathogens.

During his tenure at Boston University (2007-2009), Pollastri established the Center for Molecular Discovery—a collaborative resource integrating high-throughput screening and medicinal chemistry capabilities. This initiative exemplifies his commitment to building infrastructure for antiparasitic drug discovery through academic-industry partnerships.