University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Kevin Frankowsk, Ph.D.

I received my PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences in August 2024 from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore under the guidance of Dr. Patrice Jackson-Ayotunde. My dissertation research involved the early drug design and discovery of small organic molecules as potential anti-seizure agents. My direct project employed hit-to-lead optimization studies to design a library of T-type voltage gated calcium channel blockers, a classic molecular target for the treatment of epileptic seizures. In my new role as a post-doctoral researcher, I will continue medicinal chemistry research endeavors in Dr. Kevin Frankowski’s lab, on the design and synthesis of small molecules as chemical tools to understand neurotransmitter signaling, with a focus on the orexin receptor type 1 (OX1R).

During my doctoral studies at UMES, I participated in the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA), NIH summer camp hosted by the UMES School of Pharmacy. The program’s overarching goal was to provide underserved high school students with hands-on drug discovery and biomedical research training. Performing research, I also had the opportunity to train 9 PharmD students and mentored 5 undergraduate scholars. In my interactions with students, I prioritized creating an environment that was a “safe space” for all to feel welcomed in the research lab.

From my experience working with students, I have the desire to pursue a career in academia to educate and mentor future scientists. As a SPIRE scholar, it is my hope to continue training and teaching efforts at the benchtop and in the classroom.