Nicholas Oberlies

Nicholas Oberlies serves as the Patricia A. Sullivan Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Graduate Director for MS and PhD programs in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). With an extensive research program and numerous publications, Dr. Oberlies has established himself as a leading researcher in natural products chemistry and drug discovery from natural sources.

Dr. Oberlies received his B.S. in Chemistry from Miami University in 1992 and completed his Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy from Purdue University in 1997. His educational background provided the foundation for his research career focused on the chemistry of natural products.

Dr. Oberlies leads a dynamic research group that focuses on the isolation and structure elucidation of bioactive compounds from natural sources, particularly from fungal cultures and plants. His work spans two primary areas: natural products drug discovery and herbal drug research. In drug discovery, his team examines filamentous fungi for new anticancer leads as part of a National Cancer Institute Program Project, having examined over 1000 fungal cultures and isolated more than 300 compounds. In the herbal drug arena, Dr. Oberlies applies similar methodologies to better understand and standardize herbal products, with significant work on milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and its extract silymarin. His group also investigates mechanisms underlying drug-diet interactions, particularly those involving herbal products.

The research output from Dr. Oberlies' laboratory demonstrates a consistent focus on natural products chemistry with applications across multiple therapeutic areas. His recent publications show strong interdisciplinary collaboration across fields including genomics, pharmacology, oncology, and analytical chemistry. The work spans from basic chemical characterization of novel compounds to preclinical studies evaluating therapeutic potential, particularly in cancer treatment. Notably, his group has developed expertise in 3D printing applications for laboratory equipment, designing and sharing various useful tools that enhance research efficiency.

As Graduate Director for MS and PhD programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dr. Oberlies mentors numerous graduate students. His research is supported by significant funding, notably from the National Cancer Institute for his fungal anticancer drug discovery program. He has established productive collaborations with researchers at institutions including Washington State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Oberlies leads the Oberlies Research Group, which takes a team-oriented approach to studying bioactive compounds from nature. The group collaborates with scientists across diverse disciplines including pharmacology, virology, ecology, and metabolism to reveal the biological potential of natural compounds. Their innovative approach to laboratory work, including 3D printing applications for research tools, demonstrates a commitment to advancing methodology alongside scientific discovery.