DR. EMILY DERBYSHIRE
Professor of Chemistry at Duke University
“Unraveling the Mysteries of Parasites”
The Crano Lecture: April 16 at 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Missing Falls Brewery
Morning technical lecture: 9:00 AM, University of Akron, Auburn Science and Engineering Center 122
The Crano Memorial Lecture Series honors Dr. John Crano, a chemist at PPG who had been instrumental in developing the photochromic materials for PPG’s polycarbonate eyeglass lenses. This technology has become the basis for Transitions® eyeglasses. Dr. Crano was a previous Chair of the Akron Section and an active ACS member for many years.
Bio. Emily Derbyshire is an Associate Professor of chemistry at Duke University. She is also an Associate Professor of cell biology, and Assistant Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. She earned her doctoral degree (2008) in chemistry from the UC Berkley. The Derbyshire Lab uses both chemical tools and biological methods to uncover novel aspects of malaria parasite biology with the ultimate aim of identifying druggable targets. Projects range from developing assays for phenotypic and target-based screens to exploring biological pathways and identifying small molecules with potential therapeutic value. Their interdisciplinary collaborative program integrates chemical biology, molecular biology and biochemistry to globally interrogate parasite biology.
The morning technical lecture will be held at the University of Akron, Auburn Science and Engineering Center 122, 9:00 AM on April 16, 2024 “Chemical biology approaches to reveal parasite vulnerabilities”
Abstract: Parasites have evolved to manipulate their host cells to survive, but many mysteries remain about this intricate process. Within a single liver cell, the Plasmodium parasite undergoes a transformation and then expands into a cohort of thousands that assaults our red blood cells and causes disease. To uncover molecular events that drive this elusive developmental stage of the parasite, the Derbyshire lab employs chemical biology, biochemistry and genomics. Through an integrative approach, we develop and utilize small molecule probes, gene sequencing technologies and forward genetic screens in liver cells to discover parasite and host processes critical to Plasmodium parasite infection. Our findings highlight the dependence of Plasmodium on host factors and reveal parasite vulnerabilities that may be exploited for future disease control efforts.
The Crano Lecture (evening) is entitled “Unraveling the Mysteries of Parasites”.
Missing Falls Brewery
‘ 540 S. Main St. Suite 112
‘ Akron, OH 44311
Schedule
5:30 pm Social-Networking
‘ 6:15 pm Dinner
‘ 6:45 pm Speaker Presentation
Dinner Sandwiches, Pasta, and Salad Buffet with a Cash Bar
Registration: Buy tickets online at the link below.
Please include comment in registration or e-mail chair@akronacs.org to alert us of any dietary restrictions.
Cost for Dinner (Speaker Presentation is Free to the Public)
– $15 for Employed Members and the General Public (increases to $20 if register after 4/8)
‘ – $5 for Students, Retirees, and Unemployed (increases to $10 if register after 4/8)
‘ – Free for Junior Award Member (+1 Guest) and Members being recognized for 50, 60, and 70 years of ACS membership