Dr. Derksen's research is in the area of synthetic organic chemistry that is applied to the preparation of biologically active compounds. Natural products that interact with tubulin or with ion channels are of particular interest. This research program has a focus on addressing stereochemical challenges, minimizing the use of protecting groups, and minimizing the number of total steps through innovative development of synthetic methodology. At the completion of a synthesis, compounds are tested with the help of collaborators to gain insight into the interactions required for receptor binding or eliciting a biological response.
