Our laboratory is primarily involved in the application of synthetic organic chemistry to complex biological problems. Of particular interest are those problems associated with infectious disease and innate immunological deficiency. Most of our research centers on developing novel proof-of-concept treatments for combating Third-World disease such as tuberculosis and malaria. A second aspect of our research focuses on the development of novel techniques and therapies to stimulate the immune system to fight diseases such as cancer and HIV. Needless to say, problem selection is of the utmost importance, therefore we often search for semi-validated targets in these areas through the careful evaluation of relevant literature and through the development of collaborative relationships with other investigators at Cornell.