Chemistry leader on SIRT1 activator project guiding research direction of the chemistry team and interfacing with enzymology, cell biology, ADME/PK, and pharmacology groups. Member of the SIRTRIS Chemistry Management Team with direct supervision of three Ph.D., and 12 CRO chemists. Nominated three compounds for preclinical development. Designed and synthesized two of the three nominated compounds. SRT2379 and SRT3025 entered Phase I clinical trials in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Drove efforts to address cardiovascular liability of clinical candidate. Identified analogs with ten-fold improved hERG profile and comparable in vivo efficacy.Designed numerous SIRT1 activating cores showing efficacy in preclinical models of metabolic and inflammatory disease, both broadening the breadth of SIRTRIS chemical equity and markedly improving physiochemical and drug-like properties with respect to earlier series.Prepared chemistry due diligence document as part of GSK acquisition of SIRTRIS in 2008.Effectively managed compound progression for in vivo evaluation of SIRT1 activating compounds successfully meeting aggressive timelines set by executive management team.Presented concise project updates and program reviews to internal and external management leading to positive reviews and increased project resources.Created career development opportunities for direct reports resulting in a highly motivated and effective group recognized with company awards.

Contributed to drug discovery projects centered on the optimization of small molecule inhibitors of protein kinases, Raf, Bcr/Abl, and CDK’s with direct supervision of one Ph.D. and one B.S. chemist. Chemistry team leader of the halofuginone project.Designed and prepared three compounds nominated for preclinical development on the CDK inhibitor program. RGB-286638 entered Phase I clinical trials in 2010.Developed robust and scalable syntheses of indenopyrazoles to support preclinical toxicity studies.Transferred synthetic methodology to CRO for process research and oversaw GMP manufacture of selected candidates.Developed a flexible asymmetric synthesis of the natural product halofuginone enabling the preparation of novel analogs exhibiting potent activity against tumor cell lines.

Contributed to the discovery and optimization of inhibitors of MMP3 and Ras endoproteinase.