Elbek Kurbanov - 2015 Doctoral Research Showcase

Graduate student Elbek Kurbanov, member of Elizabeth Amin's lab, will present his research on Computational, Synthetic, Biochemical and X-ray Crystallographic Methods for Anthrax Toxin Lethal Factor (LF) Inhibitor Design at the Graduate School's 2015 Doctoral Research Showcase on Tuesday, April 7, 12 - 2 p.m. in the Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union.

The event, highlighting the research of 85 recipients of prestigious University of Minnesota doctoral fellowships, is free and open to the public.

Dr. Gunda Georg named to Grand Challenges Research Strategies Group

Department of Medicinal Chemistry head Gunda Georg will serve on the new campus-wide Grand Challenges Research Strategies group. Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Karen Hanson solicited suggestions for membership from all Twin Cities campus deans, seeking a group of senior faculty who could take an expansive and informed view and yet be open to extensive consultation with all levels and elements of our campus. 

The group has been charged with gathering perspectives from across the campus on the cross-disciplinary areas of research and scholarship where the University has, or are poised to have, exceptional strength and a competitive advantage. In consultation with faculty, staff, and students, and with relevant external experts, they will then suggest which of these areas might best align with the Grand Challenge criteria outlined by the Strategic Planning Workgroup. 

Dr. Gunda Georg – U.S. News & World Report

The U.S. News & World Report feature, The Future of Male Birth Control, includes a profile of Gamendazole, the male birth control pill being developed by medicinal chemistry department head Gunda Georg with Joseph Tash from the University of Kansas.

Dr. Phil Portoghese – APhA Research Prize

The American Pharmacists Association Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science honored department of medicinal chemistry distinguished professor Philip Portoghese with the 2015 Takeru Higuchi Research Prize. This award recognizes the highest accomplishments in pharmaceutical sciences, and is international in scope and stature. Dr. Portoghese will be recognized at the APhA Annual Meeting in San Diego in March.

Dr. Courtney Aldrich - HealthTalk feature

Courtney Aldrich, professor and editor of the new journal ACS Infectious Diseases, explains in the HealthTalk feature, "Promising Research for a New Antibiotic," the importance of a new antibiotic study recently published in Nature.

Dr. David Ferguson comments on New Drug in ND

Professor David Ferguson was quoted in a Grand Forks Herald story, "Grand Forks Police Investigating Drug New to North Dakota," about the illegal use of powdered fentanyl.

Dr. Gunda Georg - AAAS Member-at-Large

Department Head Gunda Georg has been elected a Member-at-Large of the Section on Pharmaceutical Sciences by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her four-year term will begin this February.