Modernized drugs made from new compounds may be able to treat bacterial infections and malaria.

Freshman biochemistry major Zachary Lazowski and Timothy Hagen, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, will work to design, synthesize and purify potential IspF enzyme inhibitors through their Research Rookies project.

An enzyme is a protein from living cells that produces chemical changes in organic substances. Enzyme inhibitors are molecules that connect in some way with an enzyme so the enzyme will not be able to work as it usually would.

“Specifically, Zachary will be designing novel compounds as IspF enzyme inhibitors using sophisticated computer modeling programs,” Hagen said. “He will then synthesize the novel compounds and test them for enzyme inhibition activity.”

After the inhibitors are purified, they will be sent to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research to be tested for effectiveness.

“Any one of the compounds being tested have the potential to become a new drug therapy for those with bacterial infections and malarial infections,” Lazowski said.

Hagen said he thinks the main role of the mentor is to teach the Research Rookie how scientific research is performed.

“The students have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the subject matter, however they usually do not know how the research is conducted,” Hagen said.

Lazowski said he likes having the opportunity to explore the unknown as a Research Rookie.

“While the challenges during the process of discovery may seem like too much to handle at the time, I know that later on looking back on what I have learned and overcame will be the biggest reward in the end,” Lazowski said.