The seminar will take place in person on Friday, September 26^th, 2025,  from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in WC 130, MMC Campus.

Light refreshments and snacks will be provided from 11:30 AM to noon, followed by the Seminar at 12:00 PM. 

Students, please bring your OneCard. 

Title: Natural Product-Inspired Chemistry & Career: Lessons & Future Opportunities

By Andrew Steele, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Abstract

Natural products have fundamentally impacted society and extended life expectancy: i.e. antibiotics. Besides their direct use as drugs, natural products have inspired the development of the field of organic synthesis and the means by which Nature biosynthesizes natural products has been paradigm-shifting for biochemistry and enzymology. This talk will concisely guide the audience through the presenter’s unique training starting from total synthesis, shifting to mechanistic enzymology, and culminating in the construction of next-generation biologics for anti-cancer treatment. Now starting his lab at FIU, Dr. Steele seeks to develop independent projects that draw upon this unique set of skills. The overall goal for this presentation is to showcase unique aspects of Dr. Steele training that can foster unique collaboration opportunities within the BSI.