Dr Lesley HowellDirector of Education | Reader In Pharma And Medicinal ChemistryEmail: l.howell@qmul.ac.ukRoom Number: Joseph Priestley building, Room G.03TeachingResearchPublicationsSupervisionPublic EngagementTeachingLesley is a Queen Mary Academy Fellow for 2021Undergraduate TeachingModule Organiser for Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Sem A) (CHE206A), Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry (CHE306U) and Professional Skills in Chemistry (CHE310) Teaches on: Essential Skills for Chemists (Tutorials) (CHE100) Foundations of Practical Chemistry (CHE101) Practical Chemistry (CHE211) Essential Skills for Chemists II (CHE210) Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Sem A) (CHE206A) Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry (CHE306) Professional Skills in Chemistry (CHE310) Chemistry Research Project (CHE600) Chemistry Investigative Project (CHE601) Chemistry MSci Research Project (CHE700) Postgraduate TeachingTeaches on: Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry (CHE306P) ResearchResearch Interests:Research in our group is focused on two themes: Medicinal Chemistry Chemical Education The medicinal chemistry research is focused on protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and harnessing their potential as drug targets. We have a particular interest in G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) and collaborate with the McCormick Group at the WHRi on this. We use both solution and solid phase synthesis to generate compounds/peptides capable on interacting with these targets. We take inspiration from natural products when designing compounds but also design new molecules from scratch. Within this theme we have several projects: Development of new approaches/technology to target PPIs Disruption of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) heteromers as novel drug targets Identification and synthesis of ligands for orphan GPCRs The chemical education research is focused on several areas including outreach and inclusion and diversity. We are interested in the impact of chemistry outreach work. Specifically, what are the most effective forms of outreach and who benefits the most from these with a view to improve the outreach provision here at QMUL and across the UK. We also have an interest in decolonising the National Curriculum (and higher education curriculum) by highlighting the contributions of BAME scientists in the Chemical Sciences and collaborate with Dr Tippu Sheriff on this project. Specific projects include: Does chemistry outreach influence a student’s university choices? Which chemistry outreach events are the most effective? Highlighting the contributions of BAME Scientist within the Chemical Sciences The development and implementation of mixed reality environments to enhance the laboratory experience Research department Chemistry Publications Browse a list of publications by Lesley Howell SupervisionCurrent PhD opportunities G-Protein Coupled Receptors as therapeutic targets in drug discovery Identification of inhibitors of the pro-survival protein Mcl-1 PhD supervision Zara Farooq Christos Matsingos Public EngagementSee the Chemistry Department's outreach activities here.