William Parsons

William Parsons is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Oberlin College, within the College of Arts and Sciences. He teaches Principles of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 205) and Bioorganic Chemistry (CHEM 254), with a sabbatical during Fall 2024 but returning for Spring 2025 instruction.

Education:

• PhD, Stanford University (2013)
• BA, Williams College (2007)

His research focuses on chemical biology, particularly small-molecule synthesis and intramembrane hydrolase studies. The Parsons Lab develops activity-based probes to investigate enzyme roles in metabolic and neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and diabetes, employing synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, and medicinal chemistry methodologies.

Recent publications highlight novel inhibitor profiles for proteases, electrophilic cofactor targeting, and chemical probe development. Key collaborations include Katelyn Bustin and Benjamin F. Cravatt, with student co-authors from Oberlin such as Cassondra Davies ’24 and Paul Kamitsuka ’23.

Scientific Awards:

• Organic Syntheses PUI Summer Research Grant (2025)

William Parsons actively mentors students in organic chemistry and biochemical research, with his lab serving as a hub for interdisciplinary chemical biology projects that bridge academic training with real-world disease modeling applications.