Yichao Zhao

Yichao Zhao is a Research Fellow in Medicinal Chemistry at Monash University. She holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Fudan University (2010-2013) and a Ph.D. from Monash University. Her research focuses on gold(I)- and silver(I)-catalyzed synthetic strategies for N-heterocycle formation and functionalization, contributing to sustainable drug development goals.

Education:

• B.Sc., Fudan University (2010)
• M.Sc., Fudan University (2013)
• Ph.D., Monash University

Research Interests: Her work emphasizes catalytic methodologies for medicinal applications, including heterocyclic synthesis, transition metal catalysis, and drug design. Recent projects address Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) therapies through targeted protein degradation (TPDs) and AURKA PROTACs.

Recent Research Trends: Articles focus on gold-catalyzed reactions (azo coupling, hydroamination), chiral catalysis, and medicinal applications in oncology. Collaborations span Singapore, Australia, and global institutions.

Projects:

• Inhibiting cyst formation in PKD with TPDs (2021–2022)
• Toxicology assessment of AURKA degradation therapies (2022–2023)
• Pharmacokinetic optimization of PKD therapies

Labs/Teams: Active in Monash’s medicinal chemistry research groups, contributing to a biotech startup addressing PKD through funded initiatives.