NICHOLE COLEMAN
San Bruno,CA
Summary
PhD chemist and program leader with a strong foundation in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Delivers end-to-end expertise in small-molecule design and development, alongside mentoring junior chemists, optimizing workflows, and leveraging computational chemistry to enhance drug candidate prioritization and strategic portfolio decisions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Medicinal Chemist - Consultant
AfaSci Inc.
Redwood City, CA
01.2019 - Current
- Delivered end-to-end medicinal chemistry expertise across design, synthesis, characterization, and strategic portfolio decisions.
- Advised on the design and development of small-molecule drug candidates using structure-based and ligand-based drug design strategies, optimizing potency, selectivity, and ADME profiles to advance therapeutically viable leads.
- Designed and coordinated medicinal chemistry workflows for synthesis, purification, and analytical characterization (HPLC, LC-MS, NMR), ensuring alignment with project goals.
- Used computational chemistry tools (AutoDock Vina, PyMOL, ExPASy Suite) to model protein-ligand interactions and conduct conformational analyses, directly informing SAR decisions and compound prioritization.
- Developed comprehensive synthetic pathways for complex chemical structures, facilitating efficient progression of drug candidates.
- Functioned as an embedded scientific consultant, delivering customized solutions to intricate medicinal chemistry issues.
- Mentored and provided technical oversight to junior chemists and research associates.
- Authored manuscript sections for bioinformatics and molecular docking.
Chemistry Adjunct Professor
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
08.2014 - Current
- Developed and delivered graduate and undergraduate courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, general chemistry, clinical chemistry, and hematology, enhancing student understanding and engagement.
- Presented complex scientific concepts to diverse academic and professional audiences at national and international conferences, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration.
- Mentored undergraduate students, providing tailored academic guidance that supported their academic success and professional development.
Program Administrator - SF BUILD Grant
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
08.2019 - 01.2022
- Led a team of two Program Coordinators, establishing priorities, delegating responsibilities, monitoring performance, and ensuring effective delivery of program initiatives.
- Led the operational and scientific efforts for an NIH-funded biomedical research training program.
- Managed $500K program budget, tracking expenditures to ensure compliance with NIH and institutional guidelines.
- Oversaw program management with MS Project, Smartsheet Inc, and Asana to ensure alignment with project goals.
- Implemented program monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess program effectiveness and inform improvements.
- Served as Business Officer, managing NIH-related financial and administrative tasks.
- Authored grant progress reports
Clinical Laboratory Science Supervisor
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA
08.2016 - 07.2019
- Supervised CLS students during clinical rotations in hematology and clinical chemistry, enhancing practical skills in microscopy, diagnostic laboratory techniques, and test interpretation.
- Delivered lectures, case study presentations, and small-group discussions; assessed student performance and provided feedback to facilitate professional development.
- Supervised daily operations of campus facilities and services.
- Coordinated staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Implemented training programs for new employees on university policies.
Education
PhD - Chemistry
University of California, Davis
Davis09-2014
MS - Chemistry
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA06-2006
BS - Chemistry
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA01-2000
Skills
- Drug Design
- Drug Discovery Strategy
- Lead optimization
- ADME / PK-PD Profiling
- Ion Channel Pharmacology
- Computational Chemistry
- Synthetic Methodologies
- Chromatography techniques
- Spectroscopic Analysis
- Quantitative Analysis
- Collaboration Strategies
- Scientific writing
Selected Publications
- Virtual BUILD Research Collaboratory: Biomedical data science training using innovative pedagogy to address structures of racism for undergraduates of color, 2024
- Vascular reactivity profile of novel KCa3.1-selective positive-gating modulators in the coronary vascular bed, Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 2016
- A Novel Pan-Negative-Gating Modulator of KCa2/3 Channels, Fluoro-Di-Benzoate, RA-2, Inhibits EDH-Type Relaxation in Coronary Artery and Produces Bradycardia In Vivo, Molecular Pharmacology, 2015
- New Positive KCa Channel Gating Modulators with Selectivity for KCa3.1, Molecular Pharmacology, 2014
- SKA-19, a Mixed KCa2 Activator and NaV Blocker, is a Potent Novel Anticonvulsant, Neurotherapeutics, 2014
- Therapeutic Potential of Small-Conductance KCa2 Channels in Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Diseases, Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, 2013
- NS6180, a new KCa3.1 channel inhibitor prevents T-cell activation and inflammation in a rat model of IBD, British Journal of Pharmacology, 2012
- Triarylmethanes, a new class of Cx50 inhibitors, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2012
Patents
- Methods for Treating Seizure Disorders, Wulff H, Coleman N, Jenkins DP, PCT/US14/60759, 10/2013
- Selective Activators of the Intermediate Conductance Ca²⁺-Activated K⁺ Channel KCa3.1 and Their Methods of Use, Coleman N, Wulff H, Brown B, PCT, 04/2015
Research
- PhD Dissertation Research, University of California, Davis, Heike Wulff, 08/2008, 06/2014, Developed and synthesized small molecules for ion channel medicinal chemistry research; executed SAR studies and full structural characterization (1H, 13C, 2D COSY, HMBC NMR)., Assessed PK/PD and protein binding profiles of lead compounds, evaluated toxicity in Jurkat T-cells, and conducted purity analyses via UPLC-MS including liver metabolite identification.
- MS Thesis Research, San Francisco State University, Clifford Berkman, 08/2004, 06/2006, Developed phosphorus-containing inhibitors targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as a prostate cancer marker., Applied solution-phase chemistry, amino acid coupling, and spectroscopic characterization (TLC, MS, NMR) across normal and reverse-phase purification workflows.
Timeline
Program Administrator - SF BUILD Grant
San Francisco State University
08.2019 - 01.2022
Medicinal Chemist - Consultant
AfaSci Inc.
01.2019 - Current
Clinical Laboratory Science Supervisor
San Francisco State University
08.2016 - 07.2019
Chemistry Adjunct Professor
San Francisco State University
08.2014 - Current
PhD - Chemistry
University of California, Davis
MS - Chemistry
San Francisco State University
BS - Chemistry
San Jose State University