Synthesis and mechanistic studies of ultra short neuropeptides, antimicrobial peptides, and antiplasmodial peptides. C-H and C-N functionalization of natural and unnatural amino acids. Backbone modification of peptides by C-H and C-N functionalization. Sustainable peptide synthesis methodologies. Synthesis and mechanistic studies of unnatural amino acids. Synthesis of new structural classes of antiplasmodial and anti-tuberculosis agents. Over 25 years of experience in medicinal chemistry/basic drug research and teaching. Supervised and trained >160 masters and doctoral students in medicinal chemistry/drug research. Specialties: Medicinal Chemistry, Peptide Chemistry