Medicinal Chemistry News

Mohammed AlAwadh said his scientific journey at VCU “has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m profoundly grateful for it.” (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2024: Mohammed AlAwadh delves into the intricacies of drug development

April 24, 2024

After graduation, he will return to Saudi Arabia as a professor, teaching others the techniques he has learned at VCU.

Youzhong Guo, Ph.D., an associate professor in the VCU School of Pharmacy, said “better research tools, such as CHEAPS, can help us understand the structure and active mechanisms of many human membrane proteins.” (File photo)

Chemical designed by pharmacy professor launches as tool for cholesterol research and future drug discovery

March 14, 2024

Youzhong Guo, Ph.D., and his team developed the chemical CHEAPS as part of ongoing research on membrane proteins as drug targets.

Martin K. Safo, Ph.D., (left) and Richard T. Marconi, Ph.D., are the latest VCU researchers honored as senior members by the National Academy of Inventors. (File photos)

National Academy of Inventors names two VCU faculty as senior members for their research into treating diseases

March 1, 2024

Richard T. Marconi of the School of Medicine is developing new innovations for testing and preventing Lyme disease, and Martin K. Safo of the School of Pharmacy is targeting sickle cell disease.

Lemont “Monty” B. Kier, Ph.D., a professor emeritus in the VCU School of Pharmacy, had a long and varied career spanning science and the arts. (File photo)

Renowned medicinal chemist, mentor and lyricist of VCU alma mater Lemont Kier dies at 93

Jan. 12, 2024

‘A stalwart’ in his field and the community, Kier developed pioneering scientific concepts while emphasizing student achievement – and embodying the spirit of ‘We Gather Here.’

Samuel Holmes, Ph.D., (left) poses at a presentation with his doctoral advisor Umesh Desai, Ph.D. (right). (Contributed photo)

Class of 2023: Doctoral student Samuel Holmes combines medicinal chemistry and computational modeling at a small scale

Dec. 19, 2023

Exploring the shape of heparin chains, he hopes his research could point to molecular designs for cancer treatment.

A new award, which will be given annually, honors VCU faculty members who were nationally or internationally recognized for exceptional accomplishments during the course of their current evaluation period. (Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU announces first class of faculty scholars honored for ‘exceptional accomplishments’

Oct. 11, 2023

National/International Recognition Award will reward faculty members who personify the uncommon excellence that can be found across VCU.

(From left to right) Curtis N. Sessler, M.D., School of Medicine; Anika L. Hines, Ph.D., School of Medicine, School of Population Health; Deborah L. Polo, College of Humanities and Sciences; Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D.; Emiola Oyefuga, Ph.D., School of Education; Martin K. Safo, Ph.D., School of Pharmacy; Evan M. Sisson, Pharm.D., School of Pharmacy; and Michael F. Miles, M.D., Ph.D., School of Medicine. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Excellence – and commitment – celebrated at VCU Faculty Convocation

Sept. 7, 2023

Seven educators and researchers are highlighted at 41st annual ceremony, where President Michael Rao links education and empathy.

Faculty Convocation will honor seven VCU educators and researchers for excellence

Aug. 31, 2023

Annual ceremony on Sept. 6 highlights teaching, scholarship and service.

Rebecca Martin, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Medicine, is a co-founder of Pleros Therapeutics. Its leading product is a molecule drug that targets enzymes involved in allergy responses, specifically asthma. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

More than ever, startups at VCU are turning ideas into businesses

July 11, 2023

Where science meets commerce, TechTransfer and Ventures is helping inventors find an audience beyond campus.

The Blick Scholar award is a premier recognition for those junior faculty members who have been exceptionally successful in research. (File photo)

Five new Blick Scholars reflect how VCU junior faculty are making their mark in medical research

June 20, 2023

From longevity and neuroscience to asthma and health equity, these assistant professors are rising stars in their fields.