Robert D. Barrows

Robert D. Barrows

Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Courses

• Organic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry Lab
• Polymer Chemistry
• Prep for Professional Life

Research

Dr. Barrows’ research interests encompass synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry broadly. His work focuses on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of compounds with predicted therapeutic activity. He is particularly interested in enhancing drug potency and pharmacokinetic properties by developing novel bioisosteres to replace structurally problematic motifs. For a list of publications, follow the link: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5874-1552

Education

• BS, Montclair State University
• PhD, Rutgers University, New Brunswick
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Harvard University

Academic Profile

Dr. Barrows earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Montclair State University, where he conducted research under Professor David Konas on the synthesis of novel substrates for MtIGP synthase, an enzyme unique to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. He then pursued his Ph.D. at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, in the laboratory of Professor Spencer Knapp. His graduate research focused on the design and synthesis of compounds with potent activity against Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the majority of malaria-related deaths worldwide. Following his doctoral work, Dr. Barrows joined the laboratory of Professor Matthew Shair at Harvard University as a postdoctoral fellow, where he developed novel inhibitors targeting enzymatic pathways in oncology.