RESEARCH INTERESTS, Carol A. Venanzi

My research involves the application of computational chemistry and molecular modeling techniques to problems in drug design, DNA-ligand interactions, biomimetic chemistry and chemoreception. In all these applications, we use a combination of quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, and computer graphics to analyze the relationship of molecular structure to biological function. My most recent interests are in the areas of DNA AT-specific intercalators and the design of compounds useful in the treatment of cocaine abuse. The latter project is carried out in collaboration with scientists at the National Institutes of Health, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Mercer University School of Medicine.