THE SARKAR RESEARCH GROUP
What We Do
We aim to understand how structure of biological molecules relates to their functions. We develop novel computational methods and combine them with simple experimental techniques to address antibiotic drug resistance and bacterial virulence. Our group also collaborates with several research groups spread throughout the world on these (and other) projects.
ANTIBIOTIC DISCOVERY
We identify potential antibiotics
IDENTIFYING DRUG TARGETS
We identify novel drug targets in bacteria
ELUCIDATING MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
We predict structures of biologically important molecules
WE, THE PEOPLE
Members of the Sarkar Research Group
AURIJIT SARKAR
Principal Investigator
Aurijit is an avid researcher who is always trying to push his horizons
SCOT MCINTOSH
Laboratory Manager
Scotty is our friendly neighborhood molecular biology expert and the Departmental Lab Manager. He is a friend and revered colleague!
PAYTON THOMAS
Undergraduate researcher
Payton is currently designing assays to study factors enabling antimicrobial resistance in bacteria
ALYSSA DEEDS
Undergraduate researcher
Alyssa is developing methods to identify the likely targets of hits from phenotypic screens
MIRANDA GOUGH
Undergraduate researcher
Miranda is developing methods to characterize dormant Staphylococcus aureus cells
JENN HINAMAN
Graduate researcher
Jenn is developing Stk1 inhibitors to enhance the potency of β-lactams against MRSA
EMERSON HECKLER
Undergraduate researcher
Emerson is identifying chemicals that enhance β-lactams against vancomycin intermediate resistant Staphylococcus aureus
CYNTHIA-MAE HUNT
Undergraduate researcher
Cynthia is developing computational methods to design RNA aptamers as probes to detect low abundance biomolecules
FUNDING SOURCES
We have been funded by the following mechanisms
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF PHARMACY
The AACP funded us to study beta-lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. We are attempting to understand the type of chemicals that penetrate MRSA and ways of undermining resistance mechanisms.
New Investigator Award
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
AHA has funded us to develop novel "smart" technologies to enhance the potency of β-lactam antibiotics against MRSA infective endocarditis.
AHA Institutional Research Enhancement Award
OPEN POSITIONS
Get Involved
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
March 17, 2022
There are TWO openings available for motivated undergraduate trainees to train in antibiotic drug discovery and microbiology. The positions will be open starting immediately. During the training period, these will be unpaid internships. However, upon maturity, these trainees will be given first priority for hourly paid positions.
LAB TECHNICIAN
March 17, 2022
An hourly position is available for a technician trained in microbiology, bioanalytical chemistry, and/or molecular biology techniques on various projects. Responsibilities will include running experiments, maintaining lab notebooks/records, and general lab maintenance. The position is contingent upon availability of funding, but could become a long-term position, contingent upon grant funding.
PHARMD RESEARCHER/APPE ROTATION
March 17, 2022
PharmD students interested in basic science training, either on a regular basis or for a 1-month APPE rotation should contact me to make arrangements. There are exciting projects that you can be a part of.
CONTACT US
Thanks for your interest in our research. Feel free to get in touch with us for any questions or comments regarding our work and publications. We’d love to hear from you.
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