Gideon Yawson
New York University
Gideon Kweku Yawson is a chemical biologist with over eight years of interdisciplinary research experience at the interface of chemistry and biology. His work focuses on developing peptide-based probes and integrated assay platforms to interrogate human Hsp70 chaperone function, modulation, selectivity, and ligand engagement in biochemical and cellular systems. He is particularly interested in translating molecular design into mechanistic insight that informs therapeutic discovery.
His prior research training at KNUST and Illinois State University included studies on secondary metabolites from wood-decaying fungi with activity against bacterial biofilms, as well as ruthenium(III) complexes with anti-Alzheimer’s potential. These experiences established a strong foundation in natural products chemistry, metal-based therapeutics, and medicinal chemistry.
As a doctoral candidate in the Lupoli Lab at New York University, Gideon designs and synthesizes structurally diverse peptide ligands and integrates them with biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays to evaluate Hsp70 chaperones implicated in disease states. His work leverages chemoproteomic workflows and quantitative assay strategies. His presentation will highlight working principles that he has uncovered to facilitate the selective targeting of single Hsp70s, and the potential of these tools to be applied to co-chaperone modulation.
Gideon has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications across medicinal chemistry, and inorganic chemistry journals, including work featured in STAR Protocols, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, and Metallomics. He has collaborated with academic and industry partners. He is passionate about advancing peptide and protein biologics and translational therapeutic discovery initiatives.
His prior research training at KNUST and Illinois State University included studies on secondary metabolites from wood-decaying fungi with activity against bacterial biofilms, as well as ruthenium(III) complexes with anti-Alzheimer’s potential. These experiences established a strong foundation in natural products chemistry, metal-based therapeutics, and medicinal chemistry.
As a doctoral candidate in the Lupoli Lab at New York University, Gideon designs and synthesizes structurally diverse peptide ligands and integrates them with biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays to evaluate Hsp70 chaperones implicated in disease states. His work leverages chemoproteomic workflows and quantitative assay strategies. His presentation will highlight working principles that he has uncovered to facilitate the selective targeting of single Hsp70s, and the potential of these tools to be applied to co-chaperone modulation.
Gideon has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications across medicinal chemistry, and inorganic chemistry journals, including work featured in STAR Protocols, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, and Metallomics. He has collaborated with academic and industry partners. He is passionate about advancing peptide and protein biologics and translational therapeutic discovery initiatives.
