“Undergraduate Research in Medicinal Chemistry at McDaniel College”

Dr. Dana Ferraris

McDaniel College

October 20, 2021, 7:00 PM EST

ZOOM Event & In-person

McDaniel College Nganna Forum- The Roj Student Center

Abstract: Undergraduate research in STEM is commonly regarded as essential in the development and training of every burgeoning young scientist. It is particularly essential in the field of chemistry and it is often a requirement for completion of the chemistry major at most four-year colleges. However, several factors hinder the ability of faculty to offer such research experiences. Budgetary constraints, time constraints, lack of students in their particular discipline, and the willingness/interest levels of students are, just few barriers to be navigated. With the support of McDaniel College, the Chemistry Department has been able to overcome many of these hurdles to offer high quality, impactful research to undergraduates within several STEM majors. As an example, in the McDaniel Medicinal Chemistry labs, compounds designed and Synthesized by undergraduate researchers have been tested through collaboration to help identify a potential therapeutic drug target to treat coronavirus infection. This research was conducted prior to the COVID-19 outbreak and with the help of multinational collaborators, it has continued through the pandemic. This research has provided several McDaniel undergraduates with valuable experiences that have advanced the science towards a treatment for COVID-19.