Professor Shana Stoddard

Professor Shana Stoddard
Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Rhodes College

Molecular Recognition: The Keys to Design of Autoimmune, Anticancer, and Antiviral Therapeutics

My lab, the “Molecular Immunotherapeutics Research” (MIR) lab, studies systems which are involved in cancers, neurological disorders, coronaviruses, and autoimmune diseases. Utilizing both computational and experimental methodologies work in the MIR lab explores the basic molecular details of structure and design and its implications on the development of biotools and therapeutics. Current work in the MIR lab involves investigation of structure/function relationships in the thrombospondin repeat (TSR) domain containing super family of proteins known to be heavily involved in binding interactions in the extracellular matrix (ECM) promoting functions such as angiogenesis, cell migration, and tissue remodeling. Development of both three-dimensional protein homology models and biotools to selectively target the TSR domains would advance our ability to evaluate both structure function relationships and how these proteins participate in molecular interactions that influence ECM organization. A second project the MIR lab is pursuing is development of optimization guidelines for drug development antiviral targeting coronaviruses. This talk will detail key findings that may contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) reorganization of the TSR protein superfamily, design of biotools to target TSR domains to further study of ECM reorganization and the development of both small molecule and protein based therapeutic options for coronavirus antivirals. The advancements discussed will highlight new directions for understanding ECM reorganization and binding partner interactions, and key structural parameters for development of high affinity drug candidates for COVID-19 antiviral treatments.

Shana Stoddard

Dr. Shana Stoddard is a transformative leader in higher education, a pioneering researcher, and a nationally recognized mentor dedicated to advancing access, equity, and success in STEM. Dr. Stoddard bridges computational and experimental research to improve therapies for autoimmune disorders, cancers, neurological diseases, and coronaviruses. She has mentored over 110 students, published 13 peer-reviewed articles with 60 student co-authors, and created The STEM Cohort® an award-winning program that has propelled dozens of underrepresented students into graduate and professional programs nationwide. Her contributions to research, teaching, and mentorship have earned her numerous national awards and accolades, including induction into Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, the Lloyd N Ferguson Young Scientist Award, the Henry C. McBay Outstanding Teaching Award, the Silvia Ronco Innovative Mentor Award, the Ruth Kirschstein Diversity in Science Award, and recently honored as an ACS Trailblazer as a Chemist with a disability. She is also the President, Founder, and CEO of Learning Concepts Institute®, a mentoring and professional development consultancy, and the President and Founder of the L & Leola Educational Advancement Foundation, a nonprofit expanding educational opportunities for students with non-traditional paths, and an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Rhodes College.

Hosted by Dr. Miriam Krause