“UMSL Professor George Gokel Honored for Excellence in Teaching by National Society of Leadership and Success”
The National Society of Leadership and Success has recognized George Gokel, a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), for his exceptional teaching skills. Gokel, who was initially unaware of the organization, was pleasantly surprised to receive the award.
Gokel’s illustrious career includes a long list of achievements, such as 16 patents and the honor of being a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He has also been recognized with the American Chemical Society Midwest Award, the James B. Eads Award of the Academy of Science, and the UMSL Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research and Creativity, among others.
Despite his extensive research and accomplishments, Gokel places a high value on teaching and is committed to providing his students with a quality education. He believes that undergraduates deserve to be taught by experienced scientists and aims to demystify the complex language of organic chemistry for his students.
Gokel’s teaching approach is contemporary and engaging. He avoids teaching from notes, focusing instead on key topics during each lesson. He also believes in helping students understand unfamiliar terms and concepts by comparing them to familiar ones. For Gokel, the greatest reward is hearing from students who have found his courses valuable.
In addition to his teaching, Gokel is renowned for his work in synthetic organic chemistry. His most recent patent, issued by the United States Patent Office in November, is for “Molecules that Inhibit Efflux Pumps in Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria and Uses Thereof.” This invention could potentially help combat antibiotic resistance, a growing problem identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Gokel’s research group, which includes his son Michael R. Gokel, an electrical engineer, initially set out to create an artificial ion channel. After achieving this goal, they began exploring potential applications for their invention. Their current patent application uses the artificial channel to help antibiotics penetrate bacterial cells, thereby increasing the medicine’s potency.
The group has formed a startup company, Upaya Pharmaceuticals, to further develop and test their invention. They have conducted tests in mice for toxicity and bioavailability and are working on a method for the molecule to be taken orally in conjunction with antibiotics. Gokel hopes to sell the company by the time the drug is ready for clinical trials and has already begun to attract interest.
In the meantime, Gokel and his team will continue their research, investigating molecule analogues and conducting other tests with a contract research organization. This work is supported in part by University of Missouri System FastTrack Funding Awards.
Gokel’s dedication to both teaching and research exemplifies his commitment to his students and his field. His innovative work in synthetic organic chemistry has the potential to make a significant impact on the fight against antibiotic resistance, while his passion for teaching continues to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists.