Hsuan-Yu Lai

Dr. Blake Peterson Lab Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology & Target Engagement in Oncology Drug Discovery • Designed and synthesized small-molecule fluorescent probes to quantify target engagement across key oncology pathways, including RAS/RAF/MEK, estrogen receptor, PD-L1, PTPN proteins, and TAS1R systems • Applied structure-based drug design and molecular docking to guide probe optimization and support binding hypothesis generation • Developed and executed live-cell binding assays to evaluate small-molecule–protein interactions in physiologically relevant systems • Performed competition assays to support mechanism-of-action studies and assess inhibitor engagement • Integrated synthetic chemistry with cell-based pharmacology to enable chemical probe validation and translational target assessment

Pharmacology Foundation Supporting Translational Drug Discovery • Provided patient-centered counseling for OTC medications and dietary supplements, supporting safe and appropriate self-medication decisions • Dispensed prescription medications and delivered individualized counseling to ensure correct usage, adherence, and therapeutic outcomes • Conducted comprehensive medication reviews for nursing home residents to identify drug-related issues and support medication safety and optimization

Dr. Hsin-Yi Hung Lab Structure-Based Small-Molecule Design & Biochemical Assay Development Thesis title: Modification of SEPT9 Screening Platform and SAR Study on SEPT9 Inhibitors • Led structure-based design and synthesis of forchlorfenuron-derived compounds targeting septin proteins • Applied molecular docking to Septin 9 to identify binding sites and guide compound optimization • Developed synthetic routes and confirmed compound structures using NMR spectroscopy • Expressed and purified recombinant Septin 9 protein in E. coli for biochemical screening • Improved protein expression conditions, achieving a 5-fold increase in yield and enabling higher-throughput screening

Pharmaceutical Sciences & Organic Drug Discovery • Built a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences while obtaining pharmacist licence in Taiwan • Initiated academic research in sophomore year focusing on organic synthesis and SAR studies, resulting in two co-authored publications • Conducted a summer research project at National Cheng Kung University on the design and synthesis of capillarisin analogs with potential anti-steatotic activity • Authored full research proposal and final report titled “Design and Synthesis of the Analogs of Capillarisin, an Anti-Steatotic Agent in Yin Chen Hao” • Synthesized capillarisin derivatives and confirmed compound structures using NMR spectroscopy, and assessed purity via HPLC analysis • Mentored junior undergraduate students in laboratory techniques, experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific presentation skills