“UMSL Professor George Gokel Honored for Teaching Excellence by National Society of Leadership and Success”
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), George Gokel, was recognized by the National Society of Leadership and Success for his exceptional teaching quality. The award came as a surprise to Gokel, who was unfamiliar with the organization. Despite his initial shock, he was deeply moved by the recognition, especially given his commitment to providing quality education to his students.
Gokel, a former director of the Center for NanoScience, boasts an impressive list of achievements, including 16 patents and the honor of being a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. His accolades also include 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 remains committed to teaching. He believes that experienced scientists should be teaching undergraduates, who often find the new language of organic chemistry daunting. Gokel’s teaching approach involves simplifying complex concepts and making them relatable to students. He rotates between teaching “Organic Chemistry,” “Advanced Physical Organic Chemistry,” and a graduate seminar.
Gokel’s dedication to teaching extends beyond the classroom. He is known for his work in synthetic organic chemistry. In November, the United States Patent Office recognized Gokel’s research by issuing his most recent patent, “Molecules that Inhibit Efflux Pumps in Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria and Uses Thereof.” His research group, which includes his son, Michael R. Gokel, aims to combat antibiotic resistance, a growing problem identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The group’s research began with the goal of creating an artificial ion channel, a protein that aids in the passage of nutrients or waste through a cell membrane. Upon achieving this, they started exploring the potential applications of their invention. Their current patent application uses the artificial channel to help antibiotics penetrate bacterial cells, thereby increasing the drug’s potency.
Gokel’s group has formed a startup company, Upaya Pharmaceuticals, to further develop this invention. They have conducted tests in mice for toxicity and bioavailability and are working on a method for the molecule to be taken orally with antibiotics. Gokel hopes to sell the company by the time the drug is ready for clinical trials and has already begun to see interest in this regard.
In the meantime, Gokel and his team will continue their research, supported in part by University of Missouri System FastTrack Funding Awards. They aim to answer academic questions about how their compounds work and how they can better understand their biological activity. Gokel believes that their compounds could potentially be lifesaving.
Gokel’s commitment to both teaching and research exemplifies his dedication to his students and his field. His recognition by the National Society of Leadership and Success is a testament to his exceptional teaching skills and his ongoing efforts to make a significant impact in the world of chemistry and biochemistry.