I am a Ph.D. scientist with broad experience across chemistry and biology, specializing in multistep organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and chemical biology. My work combines fundamental research and translational applications, supported by a strong publication record and leadership in multiple multidisciplinary projects. My research interest focuses on designing novel organic molecules to modulate biological processes in immune cells, aiding in the understanding of fundamental biological processes and paving the way for therapeutic innovations. In addition to leading scientific research, I am responsible for drafting manuscripts, patents, grant applications, and technical reports; managing laboratory operations; mentoring junior scientists; and coordinating collaborations with Contract Research Organizations (CROs).
Translational Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
Following the completion of my doctoral work, I pursued postdoctoral training at the Center for Drug Discovery and Translational Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School under the mentorship of Prof. Lijun Sun. My focus has been on bridging the gap between biomedical discovery and clinical translation, particularly within the fields of immunology and immuno-oncology. My research centers on developing novel therapeutic strategies by targeting key proteins implicated in immunity and cancer pathology.
Key Postdoctoral Projects and Impact
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR): I successfully managed this project end-to-end, from conceptualization, SAR analysis, through preclinical development. My work involved designing, synthesizing, and identifying a number of highly potent AhR agonists with picomolar activity. From the lead AhR agonists, I developed a prodrug with significantly optimized ADME properties, allowing this compound to be advanced as a development candidate for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In this project, I oversaw the entire scope of work, including library design and synthesis (over 300 compounds), in vitro/in vivo DMPK studies, and animal efficacy evaluations. I have presented the key data of this project at the 2024 Medicinal Chemistry Gordon Research Conference (New London, NH, USA).
Orai Calcium Channel: I directed all aspects of this research effort, resulting in the discovery of sub-µM Orai1 channel blockers with significant promise for autoimmune disease treatment. This involved molecule design, extensive library synthesis (over 200 compounds), analysis of SAR in biological assays, and preliminary in vitro ADME studies. This foundational work led to a key publication (PMID: 39232360). I also reported our results at the ACS Spring 2025 (San Diego, CA, USA).
Doctoral Achievements and Foundational Expertise
I earned my PhD in Chemistry from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, in 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Stefan Matile. During this period, I led multiple comprehensive research projects encompassing organocatalysis, chemical biology, and medicinal chemistry, laying the groundwork for my current translational focus
Key Doctoral Projects and Impact
Organocatalysis: My primary doctoral project involved leveraging peptide secondary structures and anion-π interactions to design and synthesize a diverse library of novel organocatalysts. These compounds demonstrated excellent chemoselectivity and moderate enantioselectivity in the MAHT reaction. The resulting publication (PMID: 32311232) was highly recognized, leading to the Poster Prize at the First International Conference on Noncovalent Interactions (ICNI2019, Lisbon, Portugal).
Thiol-Mediated Uptake Inhibitors: I developed an extensive library of broad-spectrum inhibitors of thiol-mediated uptake, achieving promising µM IC50 values. Several of these compounds exhibited promising antiviral activity. This work led to multiple publications (PMID: PMC8179002, PMC8395643, 35557769).
Mentorship and Educational Dedication
A core component of my professional identity is a deep commitment to education and mentorship. I am actively involved in training the next generation of scientists. Since 2023, I have been a key participant in summer internship programs at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, providing direct, hands-on mentorship to five undergraduate students in our laboratory. Furthermore, I have contributed to the Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) program by Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, serving as both a guest lecturer and a journal club facilitator, thereby engaging with students at various levels of their scientific journey. Additionally, I am serving as an editor for the Journal of Emerging Investigators and the Journal of Life Sciences, which are dedicated to bringing science to the general public and encouraging undergraduate and high school students to participate in research.