Our research proposal on the development of L-shaped HDAC8 epigenetic inhibitors for cancer therapy has been awarded an Larkin University Research and Faculty Development Grant.
Sebastian Blanco presented a research poster titled “Design of Small Molecule Inhibitors: Emerging Chemotypes and Molecular Docking” at the Undergraduate Research Conference at Florida International University, held on April 7–8, 2026.
Faiyaz Nirob and Dr. Kadayat attended the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring National Meeting, held March 22–26, 2026, in Atlanta, where Faiyaz presented a research poster entitled “Targeting HDAC8: Computational Drug Discovery of Selective HDAC8 PROTACs and Inhibitors.”
Dr. Kadayat served as a panel member for a workshop titled “Career Pathways in Pharmacy” at the American Chemical Society's SERMACS/SWRM Regional Meeting in Orlando on October 28, 2025.
Faiyaz Nirob presented a research poster on Targeting Histone Deacetylase Using PROTACs.” at SERMACS/SWRM joint regional meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), held October 25–28, 2025, in Orlando.
Dr. Kadayat has been selected as a mentor for the American Chemical Society (ACS) 2025–2026 YMCC Mentorship Program by the ACS Division of Medicinal Chemistry. He will contribute to the Young Medicinal Chemists Committee (YMCC) by mentoring young researchers and medicinal chemists, providing guidance in research, career development, scientific communication, and professional networking.
Dr. Kadayat delivered a research presentation at the Florida International University Biomolecular Science Institute (FIU-BSI) Seminar on September 12, 2025. He shared his expertise and ongoing drug discovery research projects at LU and engaged with BSI researchers to explore potential collaborations with LU researchers in pharmaceutical and biomedical research. Link: https://mailchi.mp/ac51da966573/bsi-newsletter-no-80-september-october-2025?e=d21ac606d6
Sebastian Blanco received 2nd place for Best Presentation at the LUSRP Mini-Symposium at Larkin University on August 1, 2025. He presented on “Design of Small-Molecule NSD2 Inhibitors: Emerging Chemotypes and Structure–Activity Trends.” Congrats, Sebas!
Faiyaz Mahmud Nirob presented his work on “PROTACs for Histone Deacetylase 8 Degradation.” at the LUSRP Mini-Symposium at Larkin University on August 1, 2025. Good Job, Faiyaz!
Malek Brouri presented a poster on “Rational Design of Selective Histone Deacetylase 8 Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents” at the 135th Annual Meeting and Convention of the Florida Pharmacy Association in Orlando, Florida on July 17, 2025. Congrats, Malek!
Dr. Kadayat conducted a workshop titled "Molecule to Medicine: How Drugs Are Discovered?" for Larkin University Summer Research Students on June 13, 2025, sharing key concepts and personal research experiences in drug discovery and development as part of a professional development session.
Sebastian Blanco and Faiyaz Mahmud Nirob (undergraduate researchers) have joined Kadayat Research Group to design and synthesize epigenetic enzyme inhibitors for cancer therapy. Welcome, Sebas and Faiyaz!
Dr. Kadayat delivered an oral presentation at the Medicinal Chemistry Drug Discovery session at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2025 National Meeting in San Diego. His presentation, titled "The Discovery of a Potent DCN1 Inhibitor for Cancer Therapy," highlighted one of his postdoctoral research projects conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Kip Guy at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. He extends his sincere thanks to the organizing team for the opportunity and to Larkin University for their support in making this presentation possible.
Dr. Kadayat served as a discussion leader at the ACS Spring 2025 workshop, “What to Expect from Graduate School."
Dr. Kadayat served as an abstract screener for the Medicinal Chemistry section of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) 2025 PharmSci 360 Conference, which will be held from November 9–12, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.
Malek Brouri, a member of the Kadayat Research Group, presented his work titled "Rational Design of Small Molecule Histone Deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) Selective Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents." Malek recently joined our group as a P1 PharmD student. Great job, Malek! Read more in the university news: PY1 PharmD Students Embark on Their Research Journey
Dr. Kadayat gave an invited talk on "Pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and higher education" during Career Day 2025, celebrated with students at Lakeside Elementary School, Broward County Public School, Florida.
Malek Brouri, a PharmD (P1) student at Larkin University College of Pharmacy, has joined the Kadayat Research Group as a longitudinal research student. We’re excited to have you on our team!