Dr. Stephan C. Schürer is a Professor at the University of Miami , affiliated with the Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology. He serves as Director of Digital Drug Discovery at the Institute for Data Science & Computing and Associate Director of Data Science at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Education: PhD in Chemistry (Technical University Berlin), MS in Chemistry (Humboldt University) His research focuses on systems drug discovery, integrating data science, cheminformatics, computational biology, and medicinal chemistry to develop small molecules for precision medicine. Key initiatives include FAIR data principles, ontologies (BioAssay Ontology), and software tools for drug discovery. Recent publications highlight expertise in SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring, cancer risk prediction models using genomic data, and computational approaches in PROTAC ternary complex prediction. Scientific Awards: Zubrod Award, Roche Symposium participation, multiple national scholarships He leads the Schürer Systems Drug Discovery Research Group and contributes to national research consortia (MLP, LINCS, BD2K, IDG, RADx, MorPhiC).
Dr. Peter Schmieder serves as Head of the NMR Facility at the Leibniz Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP) in Berlin-Buch, Germany. He is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and strategic development of the institute’s NMR infrastructure, which includes multiple high-field spectrometers used for both solution and solid-state spectroscopy. In addition to his scientific role, he is actively involved in the works council (Betriebsrat) at FMP. Research Interests: NMR spectroscopy for structural and dynamic studies of biomolecules Development and application of solid-state NMR for membrane proteins and protein aggregates Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) techniques Phosphorylation analysis via 31P NMR Collaborative projects in chemical biology and structural biology Dr. Schmieder leads the Determination of pKa values by NMR project, in collaboration with researchers such as Anett Hauser, Lisa Gerland, Christian Hackenberger, and Hartmut Oschkinat. His team provides both routine and advanced NMR services to internal and external users, including academic institutions and industry partners. The NMR Facility hosts a wide range of Bruker spectrometers, including 300 MHz, 600 MHz, 750 MHz, and 900 MHz systems, equipped with cryoprobes, solid-state probes, and DNP capabilities. The facility is part of the DFG-funded G-NMR network and the EU iNEXT infrastructure initiative, reinforcing its role in national and European research collaborations.
Dr. Kelly Chibale is a distinguished Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Cape Town's Faculty of Health Sciences, where he directs the Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D). His global collaborations span the South African Medical Research Council, University of Cambridge, Scripps Research Institute, and University of Zambia, establishing him as a leading figure in African drug discovery. Chibale's research pioneers the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in virtual screening for infectious disease therapeutics, with primary focus on malaria and tuberculosis. His work bridges computational methodologies with experimental validation to develop novel antiparasitic and antibacterial compounds, emphasizing practical solutions for resource-limited settings through collaborative science frameworks. His publication record reveals consistent innovation in antitubercular and antiplasmodial drug development, characterized by rigorous structure-activity relationship studies, target identification, and ADME characterization. Recent work demonstrates sophisticated approaches to overcoming drug resistance while optimizing pharmacokinetic properties. Research funding is secured through major international sponsors including the National Institutes of Health (24.9%), National Research Foundation (21.8%), and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (9.4%), reflecting the global significance of his work in infectious disease therapeutics. As founder of Africa's first integrated drug discovery center (H3D), Chibale has built a multidisciplinary team advancing capacity building in medicinal chemistry across the continent, with satellite operations in Zambia and strategic partnerships spanning Europe, Asia, and North America.
Bethany Caulkins serves as an Assistant Professor in the Chemistry Department at Scripps College, where she leads research at the intersection of physical chemistry and structural biology. Her work leverages advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methodologies to investigate fundamental biochemical processes, with particular emphasis on enzyme mechanisms and protein dynamics. Her primary research domains include NMR Spectroscopy , Enzyme Mechanisms , and Protein Dynamics , with specialized focus on tryptophan synthase catalysis, metabolomics, and neurodegenerative disease models. She employs cutting-edge techniques such as NMR crystallography, dynamic nuclear polarization, and solution-state NMR to characterize enzyme active sites, protein folding intermediates, and molecular recognition events in lipid environments. Analysis of her publication trajectory (2015-2025) reveals sustained investigation into tryptophan synthase intermediates using multi-technique approaches, with recent expansion into metabolomics and rodent model systems. Her work consistently bridges structural characterization and functional mechanism studies, demonstrating expertise in both solid-state and solution NMR methodologies applied to complex biological systems.
Jennifer Kohler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She leads the Kohler Lab, which focuses on developing chemical biology tools to study glycosylation in biological systems. Her research has significant implications for understanding fundamental biology, cancer metastasis, and infectious diseases. Dr. Kohler completed her undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Bryn Mawr College. She earned her Ph.D. in the Chemistry Department at Yale University, where she studied the kinetics of protein-DNA interactions under Prof. Alanna Schepartz. From 2000-2004, she was an American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Carolyn Bertozzi at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Kohler's research focuses on understanding the roles of glycoconjugates in biological systems. Her lab develops innovative chemical biology methods to address challenges in glycoscience, particularly through the creation of photocrosslinking sugar analogs that can be metabolically incorporated into cellular glycoconjugates. These tools enable the identification of transient glycan-mediated interactions that would otherwise be difficult to capture. Her work spans multiple areas including: Development of photocrosslinking reagents for sialic acid and GlcNAc Investigation of glycan-mediated host-pathogen interactions, particularly with cholera toxin Exploration of O-GlcNAc's role in nuclear transport Creation of methods to discover glycoprotein substrates of sialidases Understanding glycosylation in intestinal epithelial tissue Analysis of Dr. Kohler's recent publications (2021-2024) reveals a consistent focus on glycobiology with particular emphasis on sialic acid and O-GlcNAc modifications. Her work bridges chemical biology and disease mechanisms, with applications in infectious disease (particularly cholera), metabolism, and cancer. She frequently collaborates with other researchers worldwide and shares her innovative photocrosslinking reagents with the scientific community. Dr. Kohler was an American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellow during her time at UC Berkeley. While specific awards aren't detailed in the provided text, her sustained research program and numerous high-impact publications suggest recognition within her field. Dr. Kohler advises graduate students in the Biochemistry and Cell Regulation programs at UT Southwestern. Her research is supported by grants that enable her lab to develop and implement new tools for studying glycosylated molecules, with applications spanning fundamental biology, cancer metastasis, and infectious disease. She has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows who have contributed to her extensive publication record. The Kohler Lab is dedicated to advancing glycoscience through innovative chemical biology approaches. The lab actively develops and shares photocrosslinking sugar analogs that have been adopted by research groups worldwide. Current research focuses on understanding glycosylation in intestinal epithelial tissue and its implications for host-pathogen interactions. The lab maintains strong collaborations with other research groups both within UT Southwestern and internationally.
Jay Carreon is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ramapo College of New Jersey, where he has been teaching since 2009. He earned his B.S. from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and his Ph.D. from Boston College. Specializes in synthesis of peptide-based probes and anti-inflammatory agents Teaches Organic Chemistry I/II (lecture and laboratory) Active in interdisciplinary research connecting organic chemistry to biological applications Contact: Office G-406 | Phone (201) 684-7710 | Email jcarreon@ramapo.edu Research Contributions Dr. Carreon's work focuses on two primary areas: (1) Developing peptide epoxides as chemical tools for cysteine protease purification and imaging, and (2) Investigating chalcone derivatives for anti-inflammatory properties. His publications demonstrate expertise in molecular design and biological activity modulation. Publication Trends Publications (2002-2007) reveal consistent contributions to chemical biology and medicinal chemistry. Key themes include peptidoconjugate engineering for nucleic acid interactions, phototoxicity modulation through molecular structure, and apoptosis induction mechanisms. These studies emphasize interdisciplinary approaches combining organic synthesis with biological applications.
Dr. Michael Hippler is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Chemistry at the University of Sheffield's School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and a Privatdozent (lecturer) at ETH Zürich, Switzerland. He specializes in developing ultra-sensitive, high-resolution laser spectroscopic techniques for fundamental research and analytical applications in chemistry, biosciences, and environmental science. Education: Dipl. Phys. from Technical University of Karlsruhe (1989), PhD in Chemistry from Heriot-Watt University (1993) Professional Milestones: Postdoctoral research at ETH Zürich (1993-2005), Habilitation at ETH Zürich (2001), Senior Lecturer at Sheffield (2005-present) His research focuses on high-resolution laser spectroscopy of gas-phase molecules and clusters, hydrogen-bond dynamics, and analytical applications in biosciences. Recent work includes studying blue-shifting hydrogen bonds and developing cavity-enhanced Raman and photoacoustic techniques. His group collaborates on humanitarian demining projects using optical spectroscopy for explosive vapor detection. He has published extensively on: Laser spectroscopy methods (CERS, PARS) Molecular dynamics in hydrogen-bonded systems Bacterial metabolism analysis via FTIR/Raman Quantum chemical modeling of vibrational processes Awarded the Ruzicka Prize (2002) and Nernst-Haber-Bodenstein Prize (2004) for spectroscopy contributions, he mentors PhD students and teaches physical chemistry, kinetics, and advanced spectroscopy. His group's 2020 work redefined understanding of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation through activity corrections.
Junjie Yao is the Jeffrey N. Vinik Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering. He holds multiple appointments including Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Associate Director of External Partnerships in the Fitzpatrick Institute of Photonics, Affiliate of the Duke Global Health Institute, Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, and Member of the Duke Cancer Institute. His research focuses on developing cutting-edge photoacoustic tomography (PAT) technologies and translating these advances into diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Dr. Yao received his Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis in 2012. His research interests span photoacoustic tomography technologies, with particular emphasis on functional brain imaging and early cancer theranostics. At his PI-Lab, he develops PAT technologies with advanced imaging performance in spatial resolutions, imaging speed, penetration depth, detection sensitivity, and functionality. His work encompasses all aspects of PAT technology innovations, including efficient light illumination, high-sensitivity ultrasonic detection, super-resolution PAT, high-speed imaging acquisition, novel PA genetic contrast, and precise image reconstruction. Dr. Yao's publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in photoacoustic imaging, with a clear progression from fundamental technology development toward clinical applications. His recent work (2023-2025) shows a strong focus on deep-tissue imaging, super-resolution techniques, multimodal integration (particularly combining photoacoustic with ultrasound and other modalities), and translation to specific clinical applications including brain imaging, cancer detection, and urological procedures. His research increasingly incorporates machine learning approaches for image reconstruction and enhancement, while maintaining strong emphasis on the physical principles underlying photoacoustic phenomena. Fellow, Optica (formally OSA), 2022 Early Career Development (CAREER) Award, National Science Foundation (NSF), 2022 Young Investigator Award, IEEE Photonics Society, 2019 Collaborative Sciences Award, American Heart Association, 2018 Multiple Seno Medical Best Paper Awards at SPIE conferences (2013, 2015, 2016) Dr. Yao has secured significant research funding from major organizations including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association, and industry partners. His current grants include a $750,000 NSF CAREER award for mapping deep brain functions, multiple NIH R01 grants for stroke research and kidney stone treatment, and industry collaborations with Eli Lilly. His lab actively collaborates with clinical researchers across Duke, particularly in neurology, oncology, and urology, demonstrating strong translational focus. Dr. Yao's PI-Lab serves as a hub for developing and disseminating PAT technologies to both research and clinical communities, with particular emphasis on making these advanced imaging capabilities accessible for studying tumor angiogenesis, cancer hypoxia, brain disorders, and for clinical applications in cancer screening and melanoma staging.
David A. Blank is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at the University of Minnesota's College of Science and Engineering. He leads research in condensed phase chemical dynamics, energy transfer in materials, and photovoltaic applications using nonlinear spectroscopy and computational tools like TDDFT. His research spans Physical Chemistry , Materials Chemistry , and Photovoltaic Dynamics , focusing on ultrafast electron transfer mechanisms in nanomaterials and solution-phase reactions. Techniques include time-resolved spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations . Recent publications highlight work on electron transfer dynamics in thiophene-ZnO systems, BODIPY-fullerene triads , and photoredox catalysis . Key themes include charge separation , excited-state deactivation , and nonlinear optical methods . The Blank Research Group has received institutional recognition, including the Platinum Safe Lab Award , and mentors students in outreach initiatives like thermodynamics demonstrations for elementary schools. Collaborative projects span organic synthesis , nanostructured materials , and computational modeling .
Stephen A. Cooke serves as Professor of Chemistry and Department Chair of Biochemistry and Chemistry at Purchase College within the School of Natural and Social Sciences. His research centers on rotational spectroscopy, utilizing custom-built spectrometers operating near FM radio frequencies to probe structural landscapes of complex molecules across biochemical, chemical, and physical domains. Education: BSc, University of Exeter (England) PhD, University of Exeter (England) Professor Cooke's primary research focus involves characterizing microscopic molecular features through electromagnetic radiation interactions, with particular expertise in fluorinated compounds, actinide-containing molecules, and conformational analysis. His work bridges fundamental physics principles with practical biochemical applications, frequently revealing unique structural insights through rotational spectroscopic techniques. Analysis of his 2018-2025 publications reveals consistent methodological innovation in rotational spectroscopy applied to diverse systems including uranium/thorium compounds, organic nitrates, and fluorinated organics. His research demonstrates evolving sophistication in handling excited vibrational states and complex internal rotation barriers, with increasing emphasis on synthesizing novel metal-containing molecules for spectroscopic characterization. Scientific Awards: Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities Westchester Distinguished Scientist Award (2016) Doris and Carl Kempner Senior Faculty Research Award (2014-2016) As an educator, Cooke teaches General Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Instrumentation courses while maintaining an active research laboratory. His group develops specialized spectrometers for molecular analysis, with recent work featuring cover-featured publications in top journals. Though specific grant details aren't provided, his sustained high-impact output indicates significant research funding and mentorship of students in spectroscopic techniques and molecular synthesis.
Anand Prakash is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Western University. His research focuses on multiphase particulate systems, particularly the design and optimization of three-phase slurry bubble column reactors for applications in clean energy and environmental pollution control. Education: B.Tech., Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, 1973 Ph.D., Western University, 1991 Dr. Prakash has developed two groundbreaking techniques: a fast response heat transfer probe and ultrasonic methods for real-time characterization of particulate systems. These innovations have both academic and industrial applications, particularly in crystallization, precipitation, and reactor design. His team has collaborated with major organizations like USDOE, Bechtel, and AECL to advance multiphase reactor technologies. Research Trends from his group’s work span: Renewable fuel production Bioreactor optimization Online process monitoring Environmental remediation Hydrodynamic modeling Heat/mass transfer analysis Lab Members: Current students and collaborators include Shahzad Barghi, Amarjeet Bassi, Franco Berruti, Cedric Briens, and other graduate researchers working on reactor design and characterization. External Links: Prakash Lab Website
Dr. David Robinson is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science within the School of Science & Technology at Nottingham Trent University. His primary role involves teaching physical chemistry at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, while maintaining an active research program in computational and theoretical chemistry. Dr. Robinson received his first class MChem (Hons.) degree in Chemistry from the University of Manchester in 2004, followed by a PhD in 2007 under the supervision of Dr. Joe McDouall from the same institution. His doctoral research focused on the development and application of multireference perturbation theory to larger molecules than was previously possible. Dr. Robinson's research spans multiple areas of computational chemistry, with a particular emphasis on the characterization of electronically excited states of gas-phase and condensed phase molecules, including contemporary and novel membrane probes such as BODIPY. His work on polyoxometalate (POM) electronic structures is conducted in collaboration with researchers from Nottingham University and URV in Spain. He also investigates organic reaction mechanisms using high-level computational methods including CASSCF, CASPT2, and TDDFT. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on polyoxometalate chemistry, with particular attention to their electronic structures, photoactivity, and applications in catalysis. There is also significant work on the computational characterization of singlet oxygen reactions and the development of membrane raft probes. EPSRC-funded postdoctoral position at the University of Nottingham Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship (36 months) for studying fluorescent molecular probes in lipid membrane environments Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Dr. Robinson serves as a reviewer for several prestigious journals including Nature Chemistry, Journal of Physical Chemistry, and Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation. His research group, the Robinson Theory Research Group, maintains an active presence with ongoing projects in computational chemistry and opportunities for self-funded PhD students in areas related to polyoxometalates and electronically excited states.
Dr. Jinqiang Hou serves as an Associate Professor and LU-TBRHRI Research Chair in the Department of Chemistry at Lakehead University, where he has been faculty since October 2018. His work bridges radiochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and organic synthesis to develop molecular tools for disease imaging and therapy, with laboratory facilities in CB4019, CB2029, and TBRHRI 3115. Education: Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University (2012) Postdoctoral training at University of South Australia, London Health Sciences Centre, and Western University Research Focus: Dr. Hou pioneers radio-labelled compounds for PET imaging of diseases and computational drug design targeting disease-relevant proteins. His lab integrates molecular modeling, organic synthesis, and biological evaluation to create theranostic agents, with emphasis on oncology applications and the strategic integration of PET imaging into drug discovery pipelines. Publication Trends: Recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates convergence of AI-driven molecular optimization, G-quadruplex-targeted cancer imaging probes, and precision PET radioligands for cardiac and tumor diagnostics. Key themes include metastasis inhibition via LPA1 antagonists, kinase-targeted therapies, and transformer-based multi-objective drug design. Laboratory Operations: The Hou Lab maintains active research in radiochemistry and medicinal chemistry, supported by external funding and equipped for synthetic chemistry, molecular imaging, and preclinical evaluation. The team engages in interdisciplinary collaborations and recruits new members through university channels.
Dr. Ana Lia Obaid is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. Her work specializes in optical techniques for monitoring neural activity, particularly using voltage-sensitive dyes to study excitation-secretion coupling and enteric nervous systems. She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Buenos Aires (1974) and an M.S. from the University of Rosario (1969). Her research investigates: Real-time optical recording of membrane potential and calcium transients Functional connectivity in neuronal networks Mechanisms of neurosecretion in vertebrate terminals Enteric nervous system dynamics in guinea-pig models Recent publications (2004-2025) demonstrate sustained innovation in neurophotonics, spanning molecular probe development, action potential mechanics, and advanced imaging of nicotinic receptors. Her work consistently bridges biophysics, neurophysiology, and optical engineering.
Osman Doluca is an Associate Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at Izmir University of Economics. He completed his PhD at Massey University (New Zealand) developing chemically modified DNA probes for studying non-canonical DNA structures like triple helices and G-quadruplexes. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, Massey University, New Zealand Current Role: Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering Department His research focuses on: Computational identification of G-quadruplex structures Development of bioinformatics tools for molecular biologists Functional analysis of non-canonical DNA/RNA structures Design of miRNA detection kits Application of sequencing technologies in metagenomics Chemical modification of nucleic acids Recent publications highlight his work in DNA structure prediction algorithms, comparative sequencing analysis, and computational methods for biological network community detection. His research integrates bioinformatics with experimental validation to explore genomic elements' functional roles.
