Rock J. Mancini

Rock J. Mancini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Washington State University, where he leads the Mancini Group. His research focuses on the intersection of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and synthetic immunology, aiming to develop novel immune modulating materials through multidisciplinary approaches.

• Education: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from University of California, Los Angeles; B.S. in Polymer Chemistry from University of Pittsburgh.
• Postdoctoral Training: Synthetic Immunology at University of California, Irvine.

Research interests include:

• Bystander Assisted Immunotherapy (BAIT) for cancer treatment
• Design of polymeric immunomodulators for enhanced immune responses
• Solid-phase peptide synthesis of amino acid immunostimulants

His publication record demonstrates expertise in:

• TLR agonist development
• Photochemical immune activation
• Protein-polymer heterodimer synthesis
• Enzyme-responsive prodrugs

Scientific awards include:

• NSF-IGERT fellowship during graduate studies

The Mancini Group trains researchers in both synthetic methodology and immunological application, with current advisees Anthony Burt, Maryam Davaritouchaee, Austin Ryan, and Aaron Hendricksen. Former students have pursued advanced degrees at institutions like University of Washington Pharmacy School and South Carolina State University.