Darius Z. Chernitsky-Hamd, Ph.D.

Prior to joining Finnegan, Darius earned a doctorate in chemistry from Georgetown University, where his work was aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying quinoline drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. His thesis examined the role of the local reduction and oxidation (redox) environment on the drug transport function of the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) and studied bioconjugation reactions involving heme and biological thiol reducing agents to better understand malaria parasite detoxification and drug response. Through his academic research and education, Darius gained diverse technical expertise spanning organic and analytical chemistry, protein expression and purification, molecular biology, biomolecular simulations, as well as trace product detection and characterization.

In addition to his academic work, Darius worked as a junior research and development (R&D) scientist at a major pharmaceutical company. He contributed to the development of consumer pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and supported their successful introduction to both domestic and international markets.