My current research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel compounds that can be effective against viral hemorrhagic fevers, and diseases related to the liver including Hepatitis A, B and liver cancer. My goal is to deliver compounds that are not only potent in in-vitro assays but are also efficacious in in-vivo models with good absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles.

I am currently working on the development of antiviral agents targeting yellow fever virus with Jinhong Chang and Ju-Tao Guo, hepatitis A virus with You Li, Ichiro Misumi, and Stan Lemon of UNC, hepatitis B virus with Ju-Tao Guo, Jinhong Chang, and Liudi Tang, Zika virus with Jinhong Chang, and Rift Valley fever virus with Wenjun Ma of the University of Missouri. I am also working on the development of anticancer agents targeting breast cancer in collaboration with Philip Howe and Breege Howley of MUSC, as well as Richard Pestell of Blumberg.