Jun Ou

PhD candidate in Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology specializing in peptidomimetic design, PROTAC development, and structure-activity relationship (SAR)-driven lead optimization targeting protein-protein interactions in neurodegeneration and oncology. Proficient in Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS), organic synthesis, and PK bioanalysis using LC-MS/MS (QQQ), HPLC, and MALDI-TOF. Computational fluency in ChemDraw, PyMOL, and Python supports integrated experimental and in silico approaches to drug discovery.

Graduate Research Assistant (PhD Candidate) - Purdue University - West Lafayette, IN

(2027-08)

PhD candidate in Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. Advisor: Prof. Jianfeng Cai (transfer from USF).

Graduate Research Assistant - University of South Florida - Tampa, FL

(2023-08 - 2026-05)

• Designed and optimized sulfonyl-gamma-AApeptide foldamers as protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors targeting neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease pathways.
• Developed novel gamma-AApeptide sequences through iterative SAR to inhibit pathogenic TDP-43 protein aggregation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis models.
• Performed PK bioanalysis by quantifying drug candidates in mouse plasma using LC-MS/MS (QQQ).
• Designed gamma-AApeptide inhibitors targeting calcium-permeable TRPC3/6 channels for cardiac and neurological disorders, including TRPC6-linked focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
• Designed and evaluated a library of 20 BCL9 sulfonyl peptide-based PROTACs for targeted protein degradation, conducting SAR studies including linker optimization through systematic variation of linker polarity using PEG and alkyl chain scaffolds.

Teaching Assistant, General and Organic Chemistry Labs - University of South Florida - Tampa, FL

(2023-08 - 2026-05)

• Instructed undergraduate students in general and organic chemistry laboratory sessions, reinforcing core experimental techniques and data analysis methods.
• Maintained a safe and organized laboratory environment in compliance with institutional safety protocols.

Environmental Research Intern - Resilience, Inc - Tampa, FL

(2022-05 - 2022-08)

• Analyzed seawater quality parameters to evaluate filtration methods and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

PhD Candidate - Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology - Purdue University (2027-08)

PhD Candidate - Chemistry - University of South Florida (2023-08 - 2026-05)

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry, Minor: Environmental Science - University of South Florida (2021-05 - 2023-08)

Associate of Arts - Computer Science - Hillsborough Community College (2019-08 - 2021-08)