Picture of a medicinal chemist women standing

HELLO,

SHIRIN SHABAHANG, PhD

Specialized in Synthetic Organic & Medicinal Chemistry | Ph.D. in Chemistry | Expertise in Small Molecule Drug Discovery

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Learn More ↓

Learn More ↓

Medical Drug discovery

Get To Know More

ABOUT ME

I am a synthetic organic chemist with extensive expertise in multi-step synthesis, analytical characterization, and purification of bioactive small molecules. I have a proven track record of driving innovative projects from concept to completion, including the successful development of novel small-molecule activators advancing cancer therapeutics. I have demonstrated excellence in structure-based drug design, leveraging computational chemistry tools to optimize lead candidates. I excel in teamwork and am adept at collaborating with interdisciplinary and cross-functional R&D teams, as demonstrated by my involvement in 6 collaborative projects.

Experience

+5 Years

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Education

  • 01. PhD, Organic Chemistry

    Dissertation title: Optimization of Receptor-Interacting Protein Kinase 2 (RIPK2) Inhibitors and Development of Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like (MLKL) Activators

    University of Houston

  • 02. BS, Biochemistry

    Graduated with Honors and Summa Cum Laude. Received the Highest Distinction in Biochemistry

    UMass Boston

Learn More

Solution Architect

EXPLORE MY EXPERIENCE

From Molecules to Medicines: Dive into my journey as where I synthesized novel compounds for cancer therapy and developed RIPK2 inhibitors to alleviate Multiple Sclerosis symptoms.

Trace my academic and research work where I not only developed critical chemical syntheses but also engaged in enriching teaching and community service roles.

  • Research Fellow

  • Graduate Researcher-Organic Chemist/Medicinal Chemist

    Sep 2018 - Dec 2023 · 5 yrs 4 months

  • Undergraduate Researcher

    Mar 2016 - May 2018 · 2 yrs 3 months

  • Research Assistant

    Jun 2017 - Dec 2017 · 7 months

  • Research Assistant

    Jan 2017 - Jun 2017 · 6 months

Recommendations

  • ★★★★★

    Melissa LaBonty, PhD - “Shirin is a highly independent and detail-oriented scientist who would be an asset to any team. I had the pleasure of working with her during my time as a graduate student at Tufts University, where she volunteered as a research intern for 6 months. Shirin’s greatest strength is her ability to listen and execute tasks and projects without hand-holding. She always knew the right questions to ask the first time around so she could complete her work efficiently and effectively. She also brought a calming presence to the lab each day, which meant everyone enjoyed working on her team. I highly recommend Shirin if you need to get a project moving quickly and end up with results that you can trust.”

Licenses & certifications

Schrödinger

High-Throughput Virtual Screening for Hit Finding and Evaluation

Schrödinger

Introduction to Molecular Modeling in Drug Discovery

Harvard Medical School

Research Trainee in the Devision of Engineering in Medicine

Department of VA

National Veteran Caregiver Certificate

A Reflection of Dedication

Honors & awards

Celebrating a Career Marked by High Distinction and Esteemed Scholarships in the Fields of Biochemistry and Chemistry.

  • Associated with University of Massachusetts Boston - Jan 2018

  • ACS Award - May 2017

  • Issued by the Chemistry Department

    Associated with University of Massachusetts Boston

    Apr 2017

  • Delegation on Medicine & Science

    Jan 2017

  • Issued by Sanofi an Genzyme

    Jan 2016

  • Jan 2016

  • Jan 2015

  • Apr 2014

A Deeper Look into My Publications and Presentations

PUBLICATIONS

  • Shabahang, S.; Li, L.; Hu, M.; Degterev, A.; Cuny, D. G. “Expanding the SAR Analysis of 3,5-Diphenyl- 2-Aminopyridines as Receptor-Interacting Protein Kinase 2 and Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain Cell Signaling Inhibitors.” (In preparation)

  • Shabahang, S.; Lakshmi Duddupudi, A.; Lee, S.; Balachandran, S.; Degterev, A.; Cuny, D. G. “Design and Synthesis of Novel Activators of Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like (MLKL) Pseudokinase: A New Approach to Induce Necroptosis in Cancer Therapy.” (Patent application submitted)

  • Suebsuwong, C.; Shabahang, S.; Lakshmi Duddupudi, A.; Degterev, A.; Cuny, G. “Receptor- Interacting Protein Kinase 2 (RIPK2) and Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain (NOD) Cell Signaling Inhibitors.” (In preparation)

  • Draz, M. S.; Moazeni, M.; Venkataramani, M.; Lakshminarayanan, H.; Saygili, E.; Lakshminaraasimulu, N. K.; Kochehbyoki, K. M.; Kanakasabapathy, M. K.; Shabahang, S.; Vasan, A.; Bijarchi, M. A.; Memic, A.; Shafiee, H. “Hybrid Paper–Plastic Microchip for Flexible and High-Performance Point-of-Care Diagnostics.” Adv. Funct. Mater. 2018, 28 (26), 1707161. (DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201707161)

SELECTED PRESENTATIONS

  • “Advancing Cancer Therapy: Collaborative Development of MLKL Modulators to Target Necroptosis.” Gulf Coast Consortia - Schrödinger Research Event, Houston, TX, 2024 (Oral presentation)

  • “Expanded SAR Analysis of 3,5-Diphenyl-2-Aminopyridines as Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase 2 and Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain Cell Signaling Inhibitor.” Gordon Research Seminar/Conference (GRS/GRC), New London, NH, 2023 (Poster)

  • “Expanded SAR Analysis of 3,5-Diphenyl-2-Aminopyridines as Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase 2 and Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain Cell Signaling Inhibitor.” ACS Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 2023 (Poster)

  • “Developing Activators for Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like (MLKL) as Terminal Effector of Necroptosis.” MALTO Conference, Houston, TX, 2023 (Oral presentation)

Contact Me

Seeking a Scientist- Medicinal Chemist/Organic Chemist role to leverage my expertise and passion for groundbreaking drug discovery and contributing to the future of medicine.