By: Rosa Kang PharmD Candidate c/o 2027
Dr. Aaron Muth, Ph.D., is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. He has been teaching medicinal chemistry at St. John’s University as Assistant Professor since 2016 and Associate Professor since 2022. In 2024, he was appointed the Director of the Master of Science in Biological and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology program.
Attending a lecture with Dr. Muth paints a picture of a professor who is dedicated and enjoys his craft. Today, I hope to share some insight into what Dr. Muth’s research lab looks like and what it means to love what you do.
Q. What has your academic journey been like and how was it to get to where you are now?
A. I have loved chemistry since high school and knew I wanted to do something medically relevant with it. While pursuing a BS in chemistry at Binghamton University, I was lucky enough to participate in organic chemistry research with a professor that gave me the chance, specifically training on techniques that develop the optimization of organic chemical reactions which allowed an amorphous subject like chemistry to become a very tangible innovation for therapeutic purposes. With this in my belt, I got my MS in Chemistry at the University of Virginia and later PhD in Chemistry at the University of Central Florida. Here was my first introduction to medicinal chemistry. I then went onto conduct my first post-doctorate at the University of Kansas for Medicinal Chemistry, and then my second post-doctorate year in University of Massachusetts Medical School getting to experience more biology on the biology-chemistry sliding scale. Fast forward to 2016 where I started teaching at St. John’s university, which I continue to do today.
Q. As someone who has been in academia for so long and still seems to be just as, if not more, excited by your work. How do you maintain your motivation?
A. The most rewarding part about what I do is being able to give back in all aspects of academia. In the classroom, I get to meet the next generation of scholars. It’s so rewarding to be able to give them the tools to get further in what they want to do. In the lab, it is an opportunity to give back to students on another level since I’m working with students who are interested in topics that I can lend an extensive and confident hand at teaching.
Q. What research are you currently working on in your lab with your students?
A. Right now, my work focuses on targeting the protein gankyrin, which is a protein that has been linked to the onset of many cancers when overexpressed in the body. This protein works in concert with the proteasomes to regulate the tumor suppressor p53 as well as other tumor suppressor proteins, thus leading to a higher likelihood of cancer. In the lab we try synthesise gankyrin-binding small molecules that are able to “probe” gankyrin. By making it easier to understand gankyrin’s biological role, it will facilitate current and future research down the line. My 3 PhD candidates are working on the gankyrin research, and also looking into SIX1 and EYA2 transcription factors that are linked to cell overgrowth. The biology on these factors is not as fleshed out, so in the lab we try to see if there is any potential for targeting these factors to be used for cancer treatment as well.
Q. When students ask about how to get involved in research, what advice do you have for them?
A. Any student who is even slightly interested in research already shows you have a passion. Asking professors about their research is also a great way to indicate your interest and get to know what is out there. It is also smart to do your own research and look into what research they do if you’re serious about joining a lab. That way you can also ask specific questions to not only figure out what you really want but find the right mentor for yourself.
Q. Do you have any advice for students who want to pursue a career in academia long term or medicinal chemistry?
A. On top of all that I mentioned before, please ask questions. It is cliché but for good reason; it is the best way to find if this path is right for you. Prepare for failure as it is part of the learning growing pains and take it graciously in stride. Academia is a marathon; you will need a strong understanding of what you want to and who you want to work with, especially with students and fellow researchers. I wish any and all students who want to learn more about this career path good luck and not to hesitate to ask for help!
