The Chandrangsu Lab enters the 21st century!
We finally have a website! We look forward to keeping you up to date on all of our amazing scientific adventures !
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CHANDRANGSU LAB
Who we are
Where we are
Arianna Antoku (Scripps '24) and Emily Nguyen (Claremont McKenna '24) "analyze data."
Who we are
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Welcome to the Chandrangsu Lab
We are located in the Keck Science Center of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps College in Claremont, California
About us
We are interested in how microbes shape and influence the world around us from the molecular to ecological scale.
We believe that science is for everyone and are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive and equitable lab environment.
What we do
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Traditional medicines as antimicrobials
As antibiotic resistance determinants spread quickly among pathogens, the need for novel antimicrobial treatments is urgent. Traditional medicines based on "the knowledge, skills, and experiences of indigenous to different cultures" (WHO) offer a promising path forward. Of particular interest are antimicrobial metals, such as copper and zinc. Ancient Egyptians used copper, silver, and zinc salts as early as 1500 BCE as an astringent, food preservative, and disinfectant. We are focused on (1) identifying microbe specific mechanisms of metal resistance and toxicity, as well as the relevant, essential cellular pathways and (2) developing new combination therapies to increase the effectiveness of antimicrobial metals.
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Climate change, public health, and urban planning
Climate change is dramatically impacting the planet, affecting access to safe drinking water and sufficient food resources. In collaboration with an environmental chemist, Katie Purvis-Roberts (Keck Science Department), an urban engineer Kanjanee Budhidthmee (KMUTT-Bangkok), and citizen scientists, our work focuses on the impact of climate change on the water quality of the canals of Bangkok, Thailand, and its impact on the ecological range of human pathogens. Our work will add to our understanding of the impact of climate change on environmental and human health, help develop important new partnerships to educate the local community, and inform water management and urban development policy decisions.
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Promoting empathetic science communication
Effective science communication is more than the data. It requires an empathetic approach and must come from a place of understanding. It is difficult, if not impossible, for scientists and physicians to communicate and educate without understanding the cultural, social, and emotional factors that contribute to an individual’s decision-making. To help students build these skills my collaborator, theater professor, Jessie Mills, (Pomona College) and developed workshops and collaborative activities focused on empathy in public health. The hope is that students can translate the knowledge and experience gained from my course to become effective leaders, clinicians, and citizens as they continue their journey.
Contact us!
925 N Mills Ave, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
(909) 607-5011
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