Short biography

2018          Professor, University of South Florida

2015         Associate Professor, University of South Florida

2009         Assistant Professor, University of South Florida

2007         Postdoctoral Associate, Yale University,

2006          PhD, Washington University in St. Louis,

2000          M.S, Nanjing University

1997          B.S, Nanjing University

Honors & Awards

2015    Faculty Outstanding Research Achievement Award, USF 
2015    Biomatik Distinguished Junior Faculty Award, The Chinese-American Chemistry & Chemical Biology Professors Association (CAPA)
2014    NSF CAREER Award
2014    ChemComm Emerging Investigator

Abstract 

The identification and development of sequence-specific peptidomimetics is of significance in bioorganic chemistry and chemical biology. A new class of peptidomimetics termed AApeptides was recently developed by our group. The synthesis of AApeptides can be conveniently achieved on the solid phase. Similar to other peptidomimetics, AApeptides are resistant to proteolytic degradation, and possess limitless potential to introduce chemically diverse functional groups. Moreover, they are able to fold into well-defined secondary and tertiary structures. The functions of AApeptides have also been recently explored, including structure-based design of AApeptides for the mimicry of the primary and secondary structure of bioactive peptides, and combinatorial library for the discovery of potential molecular probes and drug leads.