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Taraman Kadayat

Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
PhD, MS, BPharm, GCCTL
Office: 2510
Phone: 305-760-7431
Email: TKadayat@larkin.edu
Hours: By Appointment

Dr. Kadayat is a medicinal chemist experienced in structure-based drug design, small molecule synthesis, pharmacology, and chemical biology. Prior to joining Larkin University, he was a postdoctoral scholar working with Dr. Kip Guy at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. Dr. Kadayat holds a B. Pharm. from Pokhara University, Nepal, and an MS and PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from Yeungnam University College of Pharmacy, South Korea. From 2016 to 2021, he worked as a drug discovery chemist at the New Drug Development Center DGMIF, K-MEDIhub, refining skills in drug design and pharmacokinetic studies on topoisomerase, epigenetics, and nuclear receptor modulators. With over 10 years of teaching experience, Dr. Kadayat has mentored numerous students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He completed the Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning (GCCTL) at the University of Kentucky, specializing in course design, active learning, student assessment, and promoting creativity, curiosity, and inclusivity. He has excelled in collaborative research, leadership, and securing extramural funding. He is the recipient of multiple academic awards, including the Pokhara University Merit Scholarship, the Dr. Hirotoshi Fushimi Award, the Korean Government Scholarship, and NRF-Korea Research Fellowship. He completed the NRF Korea Early Career Research Grant (2018-2021) focused on developing NSD2 inhibitors. Dr. Kadayat holds 3 patents, has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers, scientific abstracts, and has presented his research at several conferences, including ACS, IUPAC, and the Gordon Research Conference.

Education and Training

2021–2024 Postdoctoral Scholar, (Advisor: Dr. R. Kip Guy) University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
2023–2024 Instructor, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky
2022–2024 Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning (GCCTL), University of Kentucky
2016–2021 Research Scientist, K-MEDI hub New Drug Development Center, South Korea
2011–2016 MS & PhD in Medicinal Chemistry (Advisor: Dr. Eung-Seok Lee), Yeungnam University College of Pharmacy, South Korea
2010–2011 Instructor, Multicultural Education and Research Institute, South Korea
2009–2010 Pharmacology Instructor, Kathmandu University Nepalgunj Medical College, Nepal
2005–2009 B. Pharm, Pokhara University, Nepal

Teaching Interests

Dr. Kadayat’s teaching interests and experience include Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Foundations of Drug Design, Introduction to Drug Discovery and Development, Research Techniques/Directed Research in Medicinal Chemistry with special emphasis on Drug Metabolism, Hit-to-lead, and Lead optimization.

Research and Scholarly Interests

The Kadayat Research Group focuses on interdisciplinary research at the interface of 1. computational drug discovery, 2. medicinal chemistry, and 3. STEM education and health equity. Our mission is to advance science and education through innovative research that addresses both therapeutic challenges and educational and health disparities.

1. Computational Drug Design & Discovery: We utilize state-of-the-art computational tools—including molecular modeling, virtual screening, docking, and QSAR studies—to accelerate the identification and optimization of drug candidates. Our work aims to predict drug-target interactions, assess ADMET properties, and support drug repurposing efforts.
2. Synthesis of Small Molecule Drugs & Biochemical Assay Development: We design and synthesize novel small molecules targeting cancer, metabolic disorders, and neglected diseases. Using advanced techniques in organic synthesis, purification (flash chromatography, HPLC), and characterization (NMR, LC-MS), we develop and evaluate new chemical entities. These compounds are tested through custom-designed biochemical assays to assess their therapeutic potential.
3. STEM Educational Practices & Health Disparities: Our group also conducts research in STEM education with a focus on evidence-based teaching methods, active learning, and curriculum development using educational technologies (e.g., ExamSoft, Canvas). In parallel, we investigate health disparities in pharmacy practice—examining chronic disease management, health literacy, drug addiction, and access to care through models like tele-pharmacy. We aim to develop data-driven strategies that promote inclusive education and equitable healthcare outcomes.

Selected Publications

>50 Publications in Peer-reviewed Journals (23 First Author); 3 Patents; >20 Scientific Abstracts; : 1074

1. Kadayat TM et al. “Targeting the neddylation pathway: Bridged piperidine derivative TK-59 as potent DCN1 inhibitor for cancer therapy” Am. Chem. Soc. Ntl. Mtg. Spring (2025) 4184069.
2. Kadayat TM et al. “Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4, 7, 9-trisubstituted benzoxazepines as antileishmanial agents” Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 114 (2024), 130003.
3. *Carrillo AK, *Kadayat TM et al. “Antitrypanosomal chloronitrobenzamides” J. Med. Chem. 67 (2024), 3437.
4. *Kim J, *Kadayat TM et al. “Discovery of the therapeutic potential of PPARd agonist bearing 1,3,4-thiadiazole in inflammatory disorders” Eur. J. Med. Chem. 279 (2024), 116856.
5. Kim HJ, Kim H, Song J, Hong JY, Lee EH, Jung K, Kwon S, Kadayat TM et al. “Highly potent and selective PPARÎŽ agonist reverses memory deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease” Theragnostics 14 (2024), 6088.
6. *Kim HS, *Ortiz D, *Kadayat TM et al. “Optimization of Orally Bioavailable Antileishmanial 2,4,5-Trisubstituted Benzamides” J. Med. Chem. 66 (2023), 7374.
7. Shrestha A, Kim N, Lee SJ, Jeon YH, Cho SJ, #Kadayat TM (#Co-corresponding author), #Chin J “Targeting NSD Family of Histone Lysine Methyltransferases: Recent Progress and Perspective” J. Med. Chem. 64 (2021), 14913.
8. Kadayat TM et al. “Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory activity of Psiguadial B and its halogenated analogues as potential neuroprotective agents” Bioorg. Chem. 113 (2021), 105027.
9. Kadayat TM et al. “Targeting Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor delta (PPARd) agonist: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective” J. Med. Chem. 63 (2020), 10109.
10. Kadayat TM et al. “Discovery and Biological Evaluations of Halogenated 2,4-Diphenyl Indeno[1,2-b]pyridinol Derivatives as Potent Topoisomerase IIα-targeted Agents for Breast Cancer” J. Med. Chem. 62 (2019), 8194.
11. Kadayat TM et al. “Synthesis of Unique Dimethyl Thiazoline Core Containing Intermediate of Novel PPARd agonists” Tetrahedron Lett. 59 (2018), 4384.
12. Lee SJ, Samala M, Woo SY, Kadayat TM et al. “Enantioselective Synthesis of a Novel Thiazoline Core as a Potent PPARή Agonist” ACS Omega 3 (2018), 1970–1976.
13. Kadayat TM et al. “Discovery and SAR of 2-benzylidene-inden-1-one and benzofuranone derivatives as a novel class of potential therapeutics for inflammatory bowel disease” Eur. J. Med. Chem. 137 (2017), 575.
14. Jun K-Y, Park C, Kadayat TM et al. “Indeno[1,2-b]pyridinone derivative, a novel DNA intercalative topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibitor, with caspase 3-independent anticancer activity” Chem. Comm. 53 (2017), 6864.
15. Kwon HB, Park C, Jeon KW, Jun KY, Kadayat TM et al. “A series of novel terpyridine-skeleton molecule derivants inhibit tumor growth and metastasis by targeting topoisomerases” J. Med. Chem. 58 (2015), 1100.
16. Kadayat TM et al. “Hydroxylated 2,4-diphenylindenopyridine derivatives as a selective non-intercalative topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibitor” Eur. J. Med. Chem. 90 (2015), 302.

Full Publication list: â€Ș

Selected Presentations

1. Kadayat TM ‘Targeting the Neddylation Pathway: TK-59 as Potent DCN1 Inhibitor for Cancer Therapy.’ ACS National Meeting (March 27, 2025, San Diego, USA).
2. Kadayat TM ‘Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors for Lung Cancer.’ Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Alumni Nepal Symposium (Nov 10, 2024, Kathmandu, Nepal).
3. Kadayat TM ‘Bridged Piperidines as Inhibitors of Neddylation E3 Ligase Inhibitors.’ Amgen Chemistry Day (Sept 20, 2024, Thousand Oaks, USA).
4. Kadayat TM ‘Medicinal Chemistry of Cell Wall Inhibitors.’ Larkin University (Sept 23, 2024, FL, USA).
5. Kadayat TM ‘Shark Tank Presentation.’ University of Kentucky Graduate Retreat’ (August 8, 2024, KY, USA).
6. Kadayat TM ‘Development of Small Molecule Therapeutics for Lung Cancer.’ NSF Regional I-Corps (June 28, 2024, KY, USA).
7. Kadayat TM ‘Medicinal Chemistry of Beta-Lactams.’ Virginia Commonwealth University (June 5, 2024, VA, USA).
8. Kadayat TM ‘UKCOM Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series.’ University of Kentucky (May 15, 2024, KY, USA).
9. Kadayat TM ‘Rational Drug Discovery for Cancer and Neglected Disease.’ NIH (Nov. 7, 2023, MD, USA).
10. Kadayat TM ‘TK-006: Unveiling the Journey of Anticancer Agent.’ Postdoc Talk Competition (Sept. 21, 2023, KY, USA).
11. Kadayat TM ‘Targeting Neddylation Pathway for Anticancer Drug.’ University of Kentucky Pharmaceutical Science Seminar (Sept. 19, 2023, KY, USA).
12. Kadayat TM ‘Development of Potent NEDD8-Activating Enzyme Inhibitors.’ University of Kentucky Pharm. Sci. Super Group Meeting (Feb. 9, 2023, KY, USA).
13. Kadayat TM ‘Approaches to Targeting NSD2 Histone Lysine Methyltransferases.’ University of Kentucky Slice of Science 5-minute Chalk Talk (Sept. 22, 2022, KY, USA).
14. Kadayat TM ‘Challenges and Opportunities for Independent Researchers in Korea: A Personal Reflection.’ SONSIK Annual Seminar (March 17, 2021, South Korea).

Awards and Honors

1. University of Kentucky Launch Blue UAccel Award (October 15, 2024)
2. Shark Tank Award, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (August 8, 2024)
3. Discovery Rockstar Award, NSF Regional Innovation Corps UK Cohorts (June 28, 2024)
4. First Place, Annual Trainee Research Day Poster Competition 2024, University of Kentucky
5. Second Place, Postdoc Talk Competition 2023, University of Kentucky
6. Travel Grant, 2023 Gordon Research Conference on Medicinal Chemistry, New London, NH
7. First Prize, Markey Cancer Center Poster Competition 2023, University of Kentucky
8. Second Prize, TODD Symposium Poster Competition 2023, University of Kentucky
9. First Prize, Global Impact Poster Competition 2022, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
10. Travel Grant, 2022 Gordon Research Seminar in Medicinal Chemistry, New London, NH
11. Korea Research Fellowship (KRF 2020) by the Korea Ministry of Science and ICT
12. NRF Early Career Independent Research Grant 2018–2021, South Korea
13. Young Scientist Award, PSK Medicinal Chemistry Workshop 2014, South Korea
14. Excellence Award, National Essay Competition 2015, Korea Minister of Justice
15. Korean Government Scholarship 2010–2013 by Ministry of Education, South Korea
16. Dean’s Award for Recognition of an Outstanding Achievement by Pokhara University
17. Dr. Hirotoshi Fushimi Progressive Academic Excellence Award of the Year 2008
18. Dr. Katsuko Komatsu Crude Drug Monograph Writing Award of the Year 2008
19. Pokhara University Merit Scholarship 2005–2009 Fellowship

Fellowship and Extramural Funding

2021–2024   University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy Postdoctoral Research Scholar, USA
2020–2021   Korea Research Fellowship (KRF-2020H1D3A1A02081418) by the Korea Ministry of Science and ICT (Fund: ~US$ 40,000; Role: Research Fellow)
2018–2021    National Research Foundation-Korea, Early Career Independent Research Grant (NRF-2018R1D1A1B07047143) (Fund: ~US$ 130,000 Role: Principal Investigator)

Academic and Professional Services

1. Discussion Leader (2025), American Chemical Society Workshop on What to Expect in Graduate School
2. Reviewer (2018–Present), Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters
3. Editor (2019–2022), Europasian Journal of Medical Sciences
4. Council Member (2022–Present), UKCOP Staff and Post-Doc Advisory Council (UKCOP SPAC). Initiated Postdoc-Faculty Fireside Chat Series, coordinated efforts to address postdoc issues related to research and career
5. Vice President (2022–2023), University of Kentucky Society of Postdoctoral Scholars (UK SOPS). Planned and executed SOPS annual activities to support postdoc career growth and networking opportunities
6. President and Co-founder (2020), Khas Health Group. Planned and executed community pharmacy initiatives; advocated for transformative health education in universities in Nepal
7. Symposium Coordinator (September 26–27, 2020), Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Asia Pacific Knowledge Convention. Invited session chair and speakers, and selected abstracts for oral sessions
8. President (2013–2014), Society of Nepalese Students in Korea (SONSIK). Integrated, represented, and empowered over 1,000 Nepalese students and scholars in South Korea
9. Member (2013–Present), American Chemical Society, Division of Medicinal Chemistry
10. Member (2011–2014), The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
11. Registered Pharmacist (R.Ph. 681), Nepal Pharmacy Council, Kathmandu