Associate Professor

As a PhD chemist trained in chemical biology, his career has grown as scientist in biopharmaceutical industry and later as faculty and PI in academic labs. During his tenure at the University of Michigan Medical School, his expertise has evolved in biologic nanotechnology and closely associated disciplines including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Among his works, primary research interests are focused on: (i) developing nanoscale conjugates for targeted payload delivery and controlled release at cancer cells and pathogens, (ii) developing stimuli-controlled mechanisms of payload release as demonstrated with therapeutic molecules including doxorubicin, methotrexate, tamoxifen and ciprofloxacin. Development of these has resulted in advanced new technologies and novel tools directly applicable in developing anti-tumor nano medicines and methods of conditional drug release triggered under specific conditions. Applying these technologies opens a novel treatment modality beyond small molecule therapeutics and therapeutic antibodies. His research leadership at academia has advanced through collaborative and independent project performance that involves (co)PI role in multi-year projects sponsored by the US federal agencies (NIH, DOD-DTRA, NSF), the global funding organization (British Council-US Department of State), and the University of Michigan competitive intramural program. Part of his project performance has engaged in student mentoring along with active collaborations with academic and industrial researchers in various fields from cell biology, pathology, pharmacology to bioengineering and materials sciences.