Nicole Bakas, Ph.D.

Nicole Bakas, Ph.D. has a diverse background in scientific research and teaching. Nicole began their career as a Teaching Assistant for Organic Chemistry Lab at the University of California, Riverside from June 2012 to June 2015. During this time, they instructed undergraduate students in laboratory experiments and taught them the fundamentals of organic chemistry. From January to March 2016, they served as the Head Teaching Assistant for Organic Chemistry Lecture.

In September 2012, Nicole became a Graduate Student Researcher at the University of California, Riverside, where they worked until September 2017. Nicole'sresearch focused on total synthesis using modern techniques in multi-step organic synthesis. Nicole was responsible for developing targeted syntheses and solving chemical and experimental problems. Nicole also conducted independent research projects involving the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel proteasome inhibitors and the development of peptide ligation methodologies.

From September 2015 to June 2016, Nicole took on the role of Graduate Student Mentor, guiding incoming graduate students on research, academics, and program requirements. In addition, they acquired experience as a Scientist I at RayzeBio starting from December 2020 to December 2021, and later, as a Scientist II from December 2021 to the present. At RayzeBio, they contributed to scientific research in an undisclosed field.

Nicole's most recent position was as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. From April 2018 to December 2020, they conducted research on medicinal chemistry and chemical biology. Nicole was awarded a National Cancer Institute (NCI) T32 Postdoctoral Training Grant focusing on "Cancer Targets and Drug Discovery." Nicole'swork at the institute primarily involved leading the medicinal chemistry efforts in the development, validation, and therapeutic application of small molecule kinase modulators, specifically in understanding the role of autophagy in cancer treatment.

Overall, Nicole Bakas, Ph.D. has several years of experience in research, teaching, and mentoring, with a focus on organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology.

Nicole Bakas, Ph.D., obtained their Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Riverside from 2008 to 2012. Following this, they pursued their further education at the same university, receiving their Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from 2012 to 2017.