Onika Murray, B.A.
Graduate Student
e-mail: murray@pharm.Stonybrook.edu

Onika Murray is a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology. She received her B.A. in Africana Studies from New York University.  While at New York University, she engaged in organic chemistry research, specifically aimed at the divergent synthesis of a bis-porphyrin ligand where the Exciton Chirality Method was employed to determine the absolute configuration and circular dichroism of several amine compounds. While still enrolled at her undergraduate institution, she performed research at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.   Particularly, her research entailed specifying the effects that THC (the active component in marijuana) and cocaine had on the spatial learning and short-term memory in pre- and periadolescent rats.

Currently, Onika is studying a novel agent for its effect on pancreatic cancer prevention and treatment.  In particular, she is evaluating its preclinical efficacy, is identifying its molecular target and characterizing its pharmacokinetics.