Chair & Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Co-Chair of STEM Education
My two main areas of research are organic synthesis of biologically active compounds (medicinal chemistry) and chemical education. My research in medicinal chemistry focuses on developing organic compounds that selectively bind to the opioid receptors. These compounds can be used as pharamcotherapies to treat a wide range of CNS diseases, including addiction, Parkinson’s and schizophrenia. My research in chemical education involves the development of new laboratory curriculum. This is achieved in a variety of areas, including microwave chemistry and classical technique. I have incorporated this content into two iBooks used in the organic chemistry sequence.
Blanchard, J.; Fernandez, A.; Provencher, B.; Theberge, S.; Zwickau, B. “Incorporation of Mobile Technology Into First-year Chemistry Courses at Merrimack College,” 252nd ACS National Meeting and Exposition, Philadelphia, PA, Aug. 21-25, 2016, CHED-106.
Sromek, A. W.; Provencher, B. A.; Russell, S.; Chartoff, E. H.; Knapp, B. I.; Bidlack, J. M.; Neumeyer, J. L.; “Preliminary Pharmacological Evaluation of Enantiomeric Morphinans.” ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2014, 5, 93-99. 13.
Provencher, B.A.; Eshleman, A.J.; Johnson, R.A.; Shi, A.; Olga Kryatova, O.; Nelson,J.; Tian, J.; Gonzalez, M.; P.C.; Janowsky, A. “Synthesis and Discovery of Arylpiperidinylquinazolines: New Inhibitors of the Vesicular Monoamine Transporter.” J. Med. Chem. Article ASAP. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00542.
Provencher, B. A.; Sromek, A. W.; Li, W.; Russell, S.; Chartoff, E. H.; Knapp, B. I.; Bidlack, J. M.; Neumeyer, J. L.; “Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation Aminothiazolomorphinans at the Mu and Kappa Opioid Receptors.” J. Med. Chem. 2013. 56, 8872–8878.
Sam Barresi ’24 founded Let’s Innovate during his sophomore year and it has already been recognized as one of the top student organizations at Merrimack College.
