The innovative research in virology and parasitology by the laboratory of Jennifer E. Golden, assistant professor in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Division and Associate Director, Medicinal Chemistry Center, was a determining factor in recruiting her as a faculty trainer on the NIH Parasitology and Vector Biology (PVB) Training Grant led by UW-Madison faculty in Microbial Sciences and the School of Veterinary Medicine.

The PVB training program offers a variety of courses and seminars in advanced parasitology and host-pathogen interactions, as well as exciting opportunities for research training exploring the molecular biology, immunology, vector biology, biochemistry, neurobiology, and physiology of parasitic diseases. Additional opportunities are available through participation in the UW Global Health seminar program and field research in tropical diseases associated with selected trainer programs.

Jhewelle Fitz-Henley, a second year graduate student in Golden’s group, was awarded a pre-doctoral fellowship. The one year training program beginning September 1, 2017 will allow Fitz-Henley to present her research as part of a seminar series within the PVB group on campus, attend seminars in the UW Global Health Seminar series, and have an opportunity to attend a conference to share her work. Importantly, the training grant offers a unique opportunity for students from different scientific backgrounds to discuss approaches to problems and collaborate.

Golden joined the School of Pharmacy in 2015. Her research focus includes synthetic methodology development, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery with an emphasis on designing and developing novel compounds as anticancer and anti-infective agents.