Seth Herzon

Seth Herzon is the Milton Harris '29 Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry at Yale University with joint appointments in the Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Radiology at the Yale School of Medicine. He is also a Member of the Yale Cancer Center and co-founded Modifi Biosciences (acquired by Merck in Fall 2024). Professor Herzon began his academic career at Yale in 2008 after completing his PhD at Harvard University and an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois.

Professor Herzon's research focuses on organic synthesis with emphasis on molecular mechanisms of action and structure-function studies of anticancer and microbiome-derived natural products. His laboratory specializes in the total synthesis of complex secondary metabolites, particularly those interacting with DNA. Key research directions include elucidating the molecular basis of phenotypic effects of natural products, developing new synthetic methods, studying host-microbe interactions (particularly colibactin-induced colorectal cancer), developing novel chemotherapies targeting DNA repair defects, and creating new antibacterial agents. His work bridges fundamental chemistry with biological applications, exploring the concept of emergence in complex secondary metabolites.

Professor Herzon's publication record demonstrates consistent output in high-impact journals with recent work spanning total synthesis of complex natural products, structural studies of microbiome-derived compounds, CRISPR-based cancer research, and novel synthetic methodologies. His research shows a strong trend toward interdisciplinary work connecting organic chemistry with cancer biology, microbiome research, and therapeutic development.

His numerous awards include:

• NSF CAREER Award and Creativity Extension Award
• Searle Scholar Award
• Fellowships from Packard and Sloan Foundations
• Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award
• ACS Award for Creative Work in Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award

Professor Herzon actively mentors students and postdocs, with current lab members pursuing diverse projects at the chemistry-biology interface. His former students have secured prestigious positions in academia and industry. As co-founder of Modifi Biosciences (acquired by Merck), he has successfully translated basic research into therapeutic applications. His service as Associate Editor for The Journal of Organic Chemistry (2018-2023) and member of the United States Defense Science Study Group (2018-2019) demonstrates recognition by the broader scientific community.

The Herzon Laboratory maintains active research programs in natural product synthesis, DNA damage mechanisms, microbiome-cancer interactions, and therapeutic development, with strong connections to the Yale Cancer Center and translational research initiatives.