Jimmy Orjala

Email Address: orjala@uic.edu
College: Pharmacy Department: Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy
Title: Associate Professor
Office: Molecular Biology Research Building room 3170 Phone: 312-996 55 8
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes

Research Interest:
The research in my laboratory is focused on the discovery of novel anticancer and antibacterial agents from cultured cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are a rich, but understudied source for bioactive metabolites. Cyanobacteria, also termed blue-green algae, occupy a unique phylogenetical position between bacteria and higher plants. Although being prokaryotic organisms they possess the ability of oxygenic photosynthesis. Like many microorganism, cyanobacteria can be grown in culture. Unlike most other microorganisms, cyanobacteria require light to grow. We have developed a combination of LC-MS and micro NMR methods to identify bioactive natural products from cultured cyanobacteria and rapidly identify the active principles.

Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 8

Qualifications of a Student:
Background in chemistry, biology or biochemistry. Minimum sophomore standing.

Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
Students are expected to participate in lab experiments and contribute to the maintenance of the lab environment. Each student will work with a graduate student mentor on an individual project.

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