Dr. Frank Schroeder

Biography

Frank C. Schroeder is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Cornell University. His academic interests include Bioorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, particularly focusing on the role of biogenic small molecules (BSMs) in biological processes. These small molecules serve as important signals, hormones, and communicators among cells and organisms. His research investigates the metabolome—a collection of small molecules that can provide insights into drug development and human diseases. He uses nematodes like Caenorhabditis elegans as model organisms to explore biosynthesis and the functional annotation of metabolites that have implications in signaling pathways. His efforts are directed towards identifying new small molecules that can serve as leads in drug development for infectious diseases and cancer. Notably, he has developed comparative metabolomics techniques to enhance the understanding of biosynthesis and the molecular interactions of BSMs. His work emphasizes the exploration of microbial metabolites which can lead to the discovery of new antibiotics. In addition to these research interests, he engages in the development of novel synthetic compounds and the functional exploration of chemical signaling pathways.

Research Interests