Dr. Jennifer Shepherd joined the School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS) as Interim Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department in 2023–2024. That leadership experience provided valuable preparation for her two-year appointment as...
Ph.D., University of California at Los Angeles
M.S., University of California at Los Angeles
B.S., Oregon State University
Dr. Jennifer Shepherd joined the School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS) as Interim Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department in 2023–2024. That leadership experience provided valuable preparation for her two-year appointment as Interim Dean of SEAS from 2024–2026, giving her important insight into the School's mission, culture, and operations. Following a national search, she was appointed permanent Dean and will continue building on the momentum of the past two years.
Trained as a synthetic organic chemist, Dr. Shepherd's research has integrated biochemistry, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry to investigate biosynthesis and anaerobic energy metabolism as potential targets for new anti-microbial and anti-parasitic drugs. She has also combined her scientific expertise with a passion for the arts by developing an "Art and Chemistry" course for non-majors. Her enduring connections across the sciences continue to foster innovative collaborations between SEAS and the College of Arts & Sciences.
The broader impacts of Dr. Shepherd’s research involve the development of new treatments for parasitic infections, which are neglected tropical diseases that affect more than 1.5 billion people worldwide (WHO 2019). In order to combat this disease, Dr. Shepherd’s research team has sought to elucidate the biosynthetic pathway of rhodoquinone (RQ) as a unique target for the design of new anti-parasitic drugs. RQ is an essential electron carrier used in the anaerobic energy metabolism of species such as the parasitic helminths, the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), and the purple non-sulfur bacterium, Rhodospirillum rubrum (R. rubrum). RQ is not synthesized or used in humans and other mammalian hosts with a primarily aerobic energy metabolism. Dr. Shepherd’s group discovered a signature gene required for RQ biosynthesis in R. rubrum called rquA, and recently they have made important advances in RQ biosynthesis in C. elegans, which is an excellent model for the helminth parasites.
Research Grants Funded
“Rhodoquinone biosynthesis as an unorthodox treatment for microbial infection and oxygen deprivation,” New Frontiers in Research Fund – Exploration, $300,000, for award period: 4/1/19 – 3/31/23 ($80,000 for Gonzaga University). Role: Co-investigator with PI David Langelaan from Dalhousie University, NS
“Elucidation and Regulation of Rhodoquinone Biosynthesis in Rhodospirillum rubrum,” National Institutes of Health, AREA R-15 program, $241,355, for award period: 8/1/11-7/31/15. Role: PI
“RUI: Purchase of a Liquid Chromatograph Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer,” National Science Foundation, CRIF-MU program, $286,753, for award period: 2/1/08-1/31/11. Role: PI with Co-PI’s Joanne Smieja, Stephen Warren, Jeff Watson and Jeff Cronk.
“CAREER: Rhodoquinone Biosynthesis and Anthelmintic Agent Design,” National Science Foundation, Division of Chemistry, $355,000 for award period: 9/01/02 – 8/31/07. Role: PI
“RUI: Acquisition of a 300 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer,” National Science Foundation, Division of Chemistry Instrumentation and Facilities, $133,795 for award period: 9/01/00 - 8/31/03. Role: PI with Co-PI’s David Cleary, Joanne Smieja and Kay Nakamaye.
“The Biosynthesis of Rhodoquinone: A New Target for Anthelmintic Drug Design,” Research Corporation, Cottrell College Science Award, $42,738 for award period: 06/01/00 - 09/01/01. Role: PI
Recent Presentations with Gonzaga Undergraduates
