Gregory Rj Thatcher
Email Address: thatcher@uic.eduCollege: Pharmacy Department: Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy
Title: Professor and Director UICentre (drug discovery @ UIC)
Office: Pharmacy 479 Phone: 3123555282
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes
Research Interest:
Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry are central to efforts to identify new drug targets and discover novel small molecules that engage these targets, thereby improving symptoms, or modifying, and even eradicating human disease. Undergraduate researchers have the opportunity to contribute substantively to this effort in many ways. Cell and molecular biology and biochemical approaches are needed to design assays to test new chemical compounds for activity, potency, and selectivity. The stability of these compounds and their distribution in cells and tissues is tested using analytical chemistry techniques, notably mass spectrometry. Animal studies include behavioral tests, imaging, histochemistry, and immunoassays are important to provide proof of concept. In the Thatcher group, we are pursuing promising new approaches to breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Within UICentre, projects target cancer, drug-resistant pathogens, arthritis, lupus, Parkinson's, depression, and heart disease. Undergraduate researchers currently contribute productively to many of these initiatives. Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 12 Qualifications of a Student:
Appropriate for the work described above. Laboratory experience is an asset, but not essential. Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
Reliability, curiosity, and work ethic.
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