The main research interests in S. Zhang's laboratory are small molecule drug discovery and development for neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory diseases by rational design and medicinal chemistry. Specifically, the ongoing research projects are:

1. to design and develop small molecules that target mitochondria complex I as neuroprotective agents for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases;
2. to design and develop novel NLRP3 and GASDMD inhibitors as pharmacological tools and potential therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disorders; and
3. to develop novel PET radiotracers by targeting NLRP3, GASDMD, and complex I as potential biomarkers to aid drug discovery and evaluations.

• Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences/Medicinal Chemistry), Wayne State University
• B.S., Pharmacy, Shandong Medical University

Postgraduate Training

• Postdoctoral Associate (University of Minnesota)