JUN 13, 2023
Using computer aided drug design and Teaching with Schrödinger in a medicinal chemistry CURE course
Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) are an impactful and inclusive way for undergraduate students to be exposed to research experiences. Students in CURE Medicinal Chemistry at Weber State University learn foundational medicinal chemistry concepts and explore computer aided drug design (CADD) applications. Students apply these concepts and applications in a self-selected project where they formulate and explore a new idea/hypothesis related to medicinal chemistry. Students research their selected topic, propose specific drug modifications based on medicinal chemistry concepts, and test those structures in silico for improved drug characteristics. Molecular modeling is crucial for the research project hypotheses and molecular docking is essential for the data analysis component. Teaching with Schrödinger (TwS) has allowed for better and easier modeling and docking while also providing more equitable access to students because TwS just requires internet connection. Students in CURE Medicinal Chemistry disseminate their work as poster presentations at the WSU undergraduate research symposium.
Our Speaker
Tracy Covey
Weber State University
Tracy Covey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Assistant Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at Weber State University. She received her Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry in 2007 from University of Utah and then completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Duke-National University of Singapore. Her research interests involve understanding the mechanism of diseases, particularly certain enzymes and metabolites that affect the development and progression of disease. Dr. Covey is committed to undergraduate research and creating opportunities for students to participate in research.