Ashton Coker
Summary
Skilled synthetic chemist with seven years of experience in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. Advanced knowledge in the design and optimization of synthetic strategies for the development of target molecules. Experienced in multi-step synthesis, purification techniques, and structural characterization of organic compounds, including NMR and mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
PhD CANDIDATE
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
01.2021 - Current
- As part of the Lee Lab, participated in a research project combining organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry to design and synthesize small molecules for the lab's human Pantothenate kinase targeted drug development program
- Determined structure-activity relationships to improve potency and efficacy of synthesized analogs
- Designed and optimized synthetic routes for structurally diverse compound classes to produce novel molecules for human enzyme target
- Advisor: Richard E. Lee, Ph.D
REU
Erskine College
06.2019 - 07.2019
- Synthesized various RTILs from literature and purified them via distillation
- Characterization of products synthesized via techniques like1D-HNMR and IR spectroscopy
- Tested synthesized ionic liquids in extraction experiments with quantification of Carbamazepine removed using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
- Experimented with stability and toxicity of various synthesized RTILs in aqueous solutions and against living cells
- Advisor: Tiffany Hayden, Ph.D
ORGANIC TEACHING AND LAB ASSISTANT
Erskine College
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Worked directly with the chemistry department faculty to assist in the instruction of advanced chemistry and laboratory skills courses
- Assisted in designing experiments and creating problem sets for undergraduate organic chemistry lab and recitation courses
- Facilitated lab and recitation sections, examinations, and grading for approximately30 students per semester
- Led multiple group tutoring sessions weekly and advised students with practice problems and assessment of individual skills
Education
Ph.D. - Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, TN05.2026
B.S. - Chemistry
Erskine College
Due West, SC05-2020
Skills
- // INSTRUMENTATION:
- Mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
- NMR(1H,13C,2D)
- Chromatography (TLC,column,flash)
- Purification
- Characterization
- // TECHNICAL:
- SciFinder
- ChemDraw
- // PROFESSIONAL:
- Teamwork
- Mentorship
- Communication
- Microsoft Office Efficiency
Awards and Honors
Robert A. Magarian Award for Outstanding Student Podium Presentation –49th Meeting of MALTO (2024), National Society of Collegiate Scholars (2020), Alpha Chi National Honor Society Member, Held VP position on campus (2019-20), ACS Member (2016-present), Held Erskine Chapter positions of Outreach Coordinator, Treasurer, and President, Chi Lambda Sigma Men’s Literary Society Member (2018-20)
Presentations
- Coker, A. Hayden, T. Room Temperature Ionic Liquids (RTILs) as a Greener Extraction Solvent for Carbamazepine. ACS National Meeting – Philadelphia, PA, Virtual,2020 (Poster)
- Coker, A. Synthesis and Structure-Activity Based Relationship Design of Human Pantothenate Kinase Inhibitors. The49th Annual MALTO Medicinal Chemistry-Pharmacognosy Meeting. Little Rock, AR2024. (Oral Presentation)
Awards and Honors
Robert A. Magarian Award for Outstanding Student Podium Presentation - 49th Meeting of MALTO (2024)
Alpha Chi National Honor Society Member, Held VP position on campus (2019-20)
ACS Member (2016-present), Held Erskine Chapter positions of Outreach Coordinator, Treasurer, and President
Chi Lambda Sigma Men's Literary Society Member (2018-20)
Presentations
Coker, A. Hayden, T. Room Temperature Ionic Liquids (RTILs) as a Greener Extraction Solvent for Carbamazepine. ACS National Meeting – Philadelphia, PA, Virtual, 2020 (Poster)
Coker, A. Synthesis and Structure-Activity Based Relationship Design of Human Pantothenate Kinase Inhibitors. The 49th Annual MALTO Medicinal Chemistry-Pharmacognosy Meeting. Little Rock, AR 2024. (Oral Presentation)
Timeline
PhD CANDIDATE
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
01.2021 - Current
REU
Erskine College
06.2019 - 07.2019
ORGANIC TEACHING AND LAB ASSISTANT
Erskine College
01.2017 - 01.2020
Ph.D. - Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
B.S. - Chemistry
Erskine College