Medicinal chemistry researcher earns national New Investigator Award


Emily Scott


More Information

LAWRENCE — Emily Scott, associate professor at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy's Department of Medicinal Chemistry, has earned the North American New Investigator Award from the International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics.

The ISSX described Scott as "a gifted, innovative and highly accomplished drug metabolism scientist and structural biologist, a very active mentor of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in her field, and an energetic participant in a variety of national and international professional activities."

Scott's research focuses on obtaining crystal structures of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes that exist in cellular membranes and play an important role in drug metabolism and steroid generation. Her work has included groundbreaking developments, such as the study of an enzyme in the human lung that metabolizes nicotine- and tobacco-derived carcinogens and another in the prostate that is involved production of steroids, including testosterone. These enzymes are drug targets for the development of anticancer compounds for lung and prostate cancer, respectively, and the long-term goals of Scott's research program are to understand how these CYP enzymes can be exploited to benefit human health and disease treatment.

Barbara Timmermann, chair of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, said the national award brings much-deserved attention to Scott, whose groundbreaking research is a source of pride for the department, the school and the university.

"The ISSX New Investigator Award is a great honor, and I can think of no one more deserving than Emily Scott. Already so accomplished early in her career, I have no doubt there will be many more accomplishments and honors coming her way. The department is very proud to have her as a colleague," Timmermann said.

Scott will receive her award next week at the 18th North American Regional ISSX Meeting in Dallas.


Fri, 10/12/2012

author

Jackie Hosey

Media Contacts

Jackie Hosey

School of Pharmacy

785-864-1206