Biography

Tej Poudel is a research scientist in the Early Translation Branch within NCATS’ Division of Preclinical Innovation, where — as a member of the Thymine Team — he provides support in synthesizing several biologically active molecules to treat cancer and Huntington’s disease.

Prior to joining NCATS in March 2022, Tej completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota under the supervision of Courtney C. Aldrich, Ph.D., where he was involved in synthesizing the next generation of remdesivir antiviral and antitubercular nucleosides.

Tej earned his doctorate in synthetic organic chemistry from the Yeungnam University’s School of Chemical Engineering in South Korea under the supervision of Yong Rok Lee, Ph.D. He continued his postdoctoral training for two years in the same laboratory. Tej’s doctoral dissertation focused on the development of novel synthetic methodologies for the construction of diverse aromatics and heteroaromatics molecules. During his doctoral research, he discovered a novel and concise total synthesis pathway for synthesizing two natural products: hyellazole and chlorohyellazole. Additionally, Tej earned his Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a Master’s degree in organic chemistry from the Tribhuvan University of Nepal.

Research Topics

Tej’s research focuses on small molecules targeting the treatment of Huntington’s disease, antibody conjugates for treating cancer and small molecules for maintaining the homeostatic processes.

Selected Publications

1. Construction of Highly Functionalized Carbazoles via Condensation of an Enolate to a Nitro Group
2. Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Diverse and Valuable 2-Pyridones by Catalyst- and Solvent-Free Thermal Multicomponent Domino Reaction
3. Cu(I)-/Base-Mediated Domino [5 + 3 + 1] Annulation for Highly π-Extended Carbazole Frameworks and DFT Mechanistic Insights
4. Transition-Metal-Free Benzannulation for Diverse and Polyfunctionalized Biaryl Formation
5. Innovative Strategies for the Construction of Diverse 1'-Modified C-Nucleoside Derivatives