Stephen T. Deyrup

Stephen T. Deyrup is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Siena College, where he has been on faculty since 2012. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018 and to full Professor in 2023. During the 2018-2019 academic year, he served as a Fulbright US Scholar at Hong Kong Baptist University. Prior to joining Siena College, he was an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Heidelberg University from 2009 to 2012.

Dr. Deyrup's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Iowa (2006)
• B.S. in Chemistry/Biology/Biochemistry from Stetson University (2001)
• Postdoctoral Research Associate at Cornell University/Boyce Thompson Institute (2006-2009)

Dr. Deyrup's research focuses on natural products chemistry and chemical ecology. His primary interests include discovering new bioactive compounds from natural sources such as fungi, plants, and insects. He leads the Deyrup Research Group at Siena College, which explores four main research areas: investigating fungal antibiotics, studying insect chemical ecology (particularly firefly defenses), analyzing commercially relevant plants, and finding applications for natural dyes. His teaching philosophy emphasizes clear presentation of material, providing learning resources outside the classroom, and engaging students through enthusiasm and humor.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on natural products discovery, with particular emphasis on chemical defenses in insects, bioactive compounds from fungi, and phytochemical analysis of medicinal and ornamental plants. The research spans chemical ecology, pharmacognosy, and physical chemistry applications, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to natural products science.

Dr. Deyrup has received notable recognition including:

• Fulbright US Scholar to Hong Kong (2018-2019)

As an educator, Dr. Deyrup teaches Organic Chemistry and Chemical Ecology at Siena College, engaging students with his energetic and humorous teaching style. He approaches teaching as if the classroom is a team, with him as the coach guiding students toward academic success. His research group provides undergraduate students with hands-on research experience in natural products chemistry and chemical ecology.

The Deyrup Research Group at Siena College maintains an active research program focused on natural products discovery. The lab employs techniques including organic synthesis, extraction and isolation of natural products, and structural characterization using NMR spectroscopy and other analytical methods. The group's work bridges chemistry with biology and ecology, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern natural products research.