Krishnan Nambiar

Biography

I had the privilege of teaching DHC seminar classes on different topics for several years. The close interaction with a group of highly motivated and talented DHC students has really been a wonderful teaching and learning experience for me which I look forward to every year. In contrast to the large enrollment chemistry courses that I usually teach, the active participation of the DHC students in every aspect of the seminar course makes it feel like a "breath of fresh air". Recently,I also taught DHC challenge sections and "University 101" Course for DHC students.  I thoroughly enjoyed both and plan to continue teaching those courses. It is indeed rewarding to see the professional growth of DHC students in terms of their ability in critical thinking, project presentation and teamwork skills, and equally important their evolution into "decent human beings".  It is worth noting that the dedication and hard work of the DHC staff contributes a great deal to making DHC a wonderful learning experience for students at UC Davis.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Name:    Krishnan P. Nambiar
Title:: Associate Professor
Department: Chemistry

Education:                                                                       
INSTITUTION AND LOCATION  DEGREE    Year
FIELD OF STUDY
University of Calicut, Kerala, India B. Sc  1971 Chemistry
University of Calicut, Kerala , India M. Sc 1973
Organic Chemistry
University of New Brunswick, Canada Ph. D 1978
Alkaloid Synthesis
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA      Postdoctoral Training
1978-87    Biological Chemistry    

Research Interests:
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of peptides and peptidomimetics that can inhibit the entry of viruses such as HIV into human cells, novel antimicrobial agents and molecules that can control the expression of specific genes such as oncogenes and investigation of peptide misfolding that occurs in human diseases such as Alzheimers and formation of cataracts in human eye lens.

Honors/Awards:
1.  Academic Senate "Distinguished Teaching Award" 2004
2.  "Chancellor\'s Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Research" 2005
3.  ASUCD  "Excellence in Education Award"  2004
4.  ASUCD  "Excellence in Education Award"  2005
5.  ASUCD  "Excellence in Education Award"  2006

Membership: American Chemical Society, American Association for the
Advancement of Science, American Peptide Society