Biomedical and Medicinal Chemistry
Biomedical and Medicinal chemistry research at New Mexico Tech focuses on the discovery,
design, synthesis and evaluation of novel bioactive molecules. Research in this area
involves a strong synthetic organic component, which often leads to the development
of novel synthetic methodologies to construct anticancer, antibacterial or antiviral
agents.
Faculty
Professor, Department Chair
Broadly defined by the area of Physical Organic chemistry, research in the Heagy group
involves design and synthesis of new dyes; specifically dual fluorescent platforms
for ion and molecule detection. Panchromatic emissive systems are under study for
WOLED devices. Toward solar fuels, earth abundant semiconductor materials are being
explored at the nanoscale size for photocatalytic conversion of green house gas, carbon
dioxide and its water solubilized analog, bicarbonate to formate and methanol.
Associate Professor
Dr. Pias studies the structural dynamics of biochemical systems, with the aim of gaining
insight into metabolic regulatory mechanisms. Her current focus is on oxygen flux
across biological membranes and other cellular lipid structures. Given the central
importance of aerobic metabolism for human health, hindrance of oxygen transport on
the cellular level can have enormous consequences, impacting tumor cell metabolism,
cardiac function, and diabetic insulin response. The Pias Group takes a biophysical
chemistry approach, using computer simulations to gain insight into lipid structural
dynamics and oxygen diffusion.
Associate Professor
Accurate and rapid detection of pathogens in contaminated water and food samples is
necessary to prevent spread of certain infectious diseases. Dr. Piyasena and his research
group explore developing miniaturized bioassay systems utilizing microfluidics and
surface modification techniques for pathogen detection and environmental monitoring.
Associate Professor
Dr. Tello-Aburto’s group focuses on the total synthesis and biological evaluation
of natural products and their analogs. Efforts in this area often lead to the discovery
of new synthetic methodologies in organic synthesis, including transition metal catalysis
and organocatalysis.