From Dr. Zhong-Yin Zhang
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (MCMP) in the College of Pharmacy at Purdue University. As one of the top-rated programs in the country, the department is unique as compared to our peers because it combines both medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology integrated within a single academic unit. This arrangement promotes a seamless dialogue between chemical and biological approaches, which is essential for translating basic discoveries into novel therapeutics. This is an exciting time for the department as we are entering a very vigorous growth phase. We have just welcomed twelve new faculty into our department over the past five years and we are engaged in a new search to fill two additional faculty positions. These new hires will join our existing team of distinguished faculty, providing unmatched opportunities for cutting-edge and interdisciplinary research. We offer extensive curricular flexibility and a diverse range of training options in molecular mechanisms of drug action; target discovery and validation; and drug design and synthesis.
The scientific approaches taken by students and faculty in MCMP include medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, cell and molecular biology, molecular pharmacology, biophysical and computational chemistry, systems biology, functional and pharmacogenomics. Research topics covered in MCMP can be broadly grouped in three general areas: cancer biology, neuroscience, and infectious diseases. These activities are well aligned with national priorities as exemplified by the brain Alzheimer’s disease initiatives, the cancer moon shot initiative, and the national action plan to combat antibiotic resistance and pandemic response. Locally, our research efforts are fully symbiotic with Purdue University’s existing strengths in physical sciences, engineering, cancer research, drug discovery, and life sciences. Our faculty are fully integrated into the NCI-designated Purdue Center for Cancer Research, the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, the Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease.
Come join us! The Department is fully committed to excellence and innovation in the education of future pharmacists and in training the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists. The Department strives to provide an inclusive and supportive environment, filled with energetic students, fellows, faculty, and staff. I invite you to explore these pages and contact us if you are interested in becoming part of our team as faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows or other additions to our research and education endeavors.