Addressing health disparities using targeted drug discovery efforts is the main goal of my research. The objective of my research is to find kinase inhibitors that can function as potential therapeutics for debilitating diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. My research work focuses on the development of modulators for three classes of proteins – (1) Protein kinases that regulate many of the key signaling pathways in the cell, (2) the cytochrome P450 enzymes which metabolize exogenous and endogenous substances in the body, and (3) Liver X Receptor , a key mediator in many of the cellular processes. The work in my research group involves computational molecular modeling and organic synthesis. I have received funding for research through grants from National Institutes of Health, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, and Louisiana Biomedical Research Network.
Publications
More than 35 publications in peer-reviewed journals, 6 patents, 2 book chapters, and numerous presentations on the development of therapeutics for various diseases and organic reactions methodology development.
Research Mentoring
I have trained 2 graduate students, 29 undergraduate students, and 3 high school students in organic chemistry and computational chemistry research techniques by involving them in my research projects in the field of drug discovery.
Pedagogics in Chemistry and Science Communication
One of my major goals in pedagogy is to provide a contextual and contemporary knowledge of chemistry to my students and at the same time develop their soft skills in science communication. Training our students in science communication to a non-scientific audience will ensure that our future leaders in science can effectively communicate with all types of audiences and engage in deliberative practices. This will ensure a knowledgeable engagement of a wider community in socio-science issues. With grant funding from National Science Foundation, I hope to enhance our STEM curriculum with incorporation of course modules that focus on science communication to the public using deliberative methods.
