Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemistry Analytical Laboratories Manager

Derek Steiner

Derek Steiner

BIOGRAPHY

My passion for science centers on instrumentation and its role in solving questions in chemistry and biology. I believe projects at the intersection of chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering are the most innovative. In the biotech industry, every skill and experience is valuable, no matter where it was learned. Beyond work, I enjoy backpacking and mountain biking—especially in Southern Utah, which is ideal for outdoor activities.

EXPERIENCE
More than 25 years in industry (Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Illumina, Arnatar Pharmaceutical)

RESEARCH & INTERESTS
Synthesis of DNA and RNA analogues and associated phosphoramidites
Green asymmetric catalysis methodology
Automation of processes for synthesis and analysis

PUBLICATIONS & PROJECTS
Arnatar compounds and methods for enhanced cellular uptake. Patent: US12247047B2 (2024)

Conjugation of a peptide to an antibody engineered with free cysteines dramatically improves half-life and activity. MAbs. 2020 Jan–Dec; 12(1): 1794687

Direct asymmetric α-fluorination of aldehydes. Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2005), 44(24), 3706–3710

A facile and efficient method for the kinetic resolution of commercially available limonene epoxide. Tetrahedron: Asymmetry (2002), 13(21), 2359–2363

Asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes catalyzed by β-amino alcohols derived from limonene oxide. Tetrahedron: Asymmetry (2002), 13(14), 1477–1483

Targeted molecular bar codes and methods for using the same. PCT Int. Appl. (2000), 53 pp.

Education

Postdoctoral Research – Asymmetric Organocatalysis

  • The Scripps Research Institute, Barbas Lab

Ph.D. Organic Chemistry

  • University of California, Santa Cruz, 2002

B.S. Animal Science

  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1992

Courses

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Contact

Derek Steiner

Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemistry Analytical Laboratories Manager

Email: derek.steiner@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4284

Office: SNOW 215B