Darren Derksen

Dr. Darren Derksen, PhD

Positions

Associate Professor

Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry

Associate Head (Research)

Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry

Full Member

Hotchkiss Brain Institute

Child Health & Wellness Researcher

Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute

Full Member

Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute

Contact information

Background

Educational Background

B.S. Organic Chemistry, University of Alberta, 2003

Doctor of Philosophy Organic Chemistry, University of Alberta, 2008

Research

Areas of Research

Novel Therapeutics and Medicinal Chemistry
Activities

Dr. Derksen's research is in the area of synthetic organic chemistry that is applied to the preparation of biologically active compounds.  Natural products that interact with tubulin or with ion channels are of particular interest.  This research program has a focus on addressing stereochemical challenges, minimizing the use of protecting groups, and minimizing the number of total steps through innovative development of synthetic methodology.  At the completion of a synthesis, compounds are tested with the help of collaborators to gain insight into the interactions required for receptor binding or eliciting a biological response.

Courses

Course number Course title Semester
CHEM 351 LEC 01 01 Organic Chemistry I 2020
CHEM 59921 LEC 01 01 Selected Topics in Chemistry 2021
CHEM 65927 LEC 01 01 Sel Topics in Organic CHEM 2021

Awards

  • 2020 GSA Excellence in Supervision Award, University of Calgary Graduate Student's Association. 2021

Publications