Mentor Areas
Our lab, located in the Thoracic Laboratory at Edward J. Stemmler Hall and supervised by Dr. Sunil Singhal, is dedicated to advancing cancer treatment and diagnosis. As a trained organic chemist with extensive experience in organic, analytical, and biological chemistry, I have developed various cancer-targeting fluorescent agents, with one of my works published in Nature Methods (Volume 19, pages 353–358, 2022). My passion for chemistry drives my aim to develop molecules that meet surgeons' needs for effective cancer treatment.
Description:
Current projects in our lab include:
- Developing Activatable Probes: These probes are designed to activate under specific tumor conditions, allowing for precise identification and targeting of cancer cells.
- Deep Tissue Penetration Probes: These probes aim to achieve complete cancer removal, thereby helping to prevent recurrence.
- Receptor-Targeted Fluorescent Probes: These ligands are designed to specifically bind to receptors that are highly expressed on cancer cells but have low expression on healthy tissues.
- Chemotherapeutic Drugs: We are developing safer chemotherapeutic drugs to enhance cancer therapy.
Our lab is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to perform organic, analytical, biological, and clinical work. This includes organic chemistry and cell culture hoods, as well as sophisticated instruments like absorption and fluorescence spectrometers, which cover wavelengths between 200 to 2000 nm. Additionally, we have access to a clinical-grade fluorescence microscope and cameras for cells and small animal imaging.
By leveraging cutting-edge techniques in organic chemistry and chemical biology, we strive to create highly specific and potent compounds. These compounds undergo rigorous testing in preclinical and clinical settings to ensure their safety and efficacy. The close collaboration with clinicians ensures that the molecules we develop are not only scientifically advanced but also clinically relevant, addressing real-world challenges faced by oncologists and patients.
Ultimately, our goal is to improve the overall lifespan and quality of life for cancer patients. By pioneering new diagnostic tools and treatments, we hope to contribute to a future where cancer can be managed more effectively, leading to better outcomes for those affected by the disease.
Preferred Qualifications
Undergraduate students interested in organic chemistry, biology, analytical chemistry, surgery, or immunology.
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. Faculty Profile
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Academic Term
Fall, Spring
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.