The UNC Center for AIDS Research recognizes Lindsey James, PhD, for being named a 2025 Hettleman Prize recipient—one of UNC’s highest honors for early-career faculty demonstrating exceptional achievement and promise in scholarly research. Dr. James is a faculty member in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy’s Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, where she leads the James Lab, and was nominated by Dr. Angela Kashuba for this award.
Her research lies at the intersection of chemistry and biology, focusing on controlling gene expression through the development of small molecules. These specialized compounds are designed to either block or degrade proteins that regulate gene activity—some of which have long been considered “undruggable.” Many of these proteins play critical roles in cancer progression, and successfully targeting them, Dr. James’ work opens exciting new avenues for therapeutic development.
This innovative approach has major implications not only for cancer treatment but also for advancing HIV cure strategies, where precise control over gene and protein expression remains a key challenge.
Congratulations Dr. James on this well-earned recognition of her groundbreaking work and its potential to shape the future of biomedical research.