Scholar Spotlight: Joseph Clark
“I am an organic chemist working with molecules that can make medicines safer. I design and oversee the synthesis of compounds by utilizing molecules, reagents, solvents, specialized equipment, and other tools.”
Joseph Clark
Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry
My research group designs new chemical reactions for incorporating deuterium, the naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen, into small molecules and compounds in a highly selective manner. With precise installation, we can construct deuterated molecules for specific applications such as modulating drug metabolism or enhancing drug half-life. These efforts may lead to the discovery of safer and more effective medicines.
Many isotopically chiral molecules have been nearly impossible to analyze for determining properties such as enantiomeric enrichment and assignment of absolute configuration. Not only has my research group made these interesting molecular entities, but we have provided the first-ever solution to this nearly century-old problem of characterizing them.
Why I do what I do
I always enjoyed working with my hands and solving challenging problems. Chemistry allows me to do both at a high level while also having a positive impact on people’s lives. There is always a more challenging problem to solve, and it is a great privilege to have a research lab where I can test new hypotheses where a positive result can lead to paradigm-shifting research. The excitement and thrill from this process inspired me to pursue a chemistry career.
With my PhD and postdoctoral training, I saw an opportunity to impact a new and rapidly emerging field. In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first deuterated drug molecule (Deutetrabenazine), and I built my current research program around designing new chemical reactions to expand chemical access to more deuterated drugs.
Currently working on
My research lab is now developing new chemical reactions for incorporating tritium into small molecules. Tritium is the radioactive isotope of hydrogen and is routinely used in drug discovery applications such as acquiring early safety and toxicity data for new drug candidates. We are looking to expand access to the type of drug molecules that can be labeled with tritium to expand the applications of this important isotope.