Chemistry & Biochemistry

Curriculum Vitae

• B.S/M.S. Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden, 1987.
• Ph.D. Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden, 1992.
• Post. doc. University of Notre Dame, 1992-1994.
• Post. doc. UCSD and Scripps Research Institute, 1996-1999.
• Assistant Professor, SDSU 1999-2005
• Associate Professor, SDSU since 2005
• Visiting Scientist/Professor Scripps Institution of Oceanography since 2022.

Research Interests

My research lies at the intersection of synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and marine natural products. I am interested in the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of structurally complex molecules with potential applications in cancer therapy and the treatment of other human diseases. Inspired by the extraordinary chemical diversity found in marine cyanobacteria and other natural sources, my laboratory seeks to discover, synthesize, and optimize biologically active natural products and their derivatives as future therapeutic agents.

A major focus of my research is the total synthesis and medicinal chemistry of marine natural products with potent anticancer activity. Through longstanding collaborations with scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the UC San Diego School of Medicine, and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, my group has investigated highly cytotoxic natural products and their analogs, including carmaphycin-derived proteasome inhibitors that exhibit picomolar activity against liver cancer cells. These studies combine synthetic chemistry with biological evaluation to uncover molecular mechanisms of action and identify new opportunities for therapeutic development.

In addition to marine natural products, my laboratory is engaged in the synthesis of natural and unnatural compounds with potential applications in cancer, infectious diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, malaria, and hepatitis C. We are particularly interested in translating advances in synthetic chemistry into biologically meaningful discoveries through interdisciplinary collaborations that connect chemistry, pharmacology, and molecular medicine.

A second major area of my research involves the development of new synthetic methodologies for the efficient construction of complex molecular architectures. My group has pioneered asymmetric and organometallic reactions utilizing copper, zinc, silicon, and zirconium reagents, with a particular emphasis on catalytic processes employing chiral ligands. These efforts have led to the development of novel stereoselective transformations, including organocopper-mediated reactions and asymmetric vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol methodologies that provide access to key structural motifs found in polyketides, depsipeptides, alkaloids, and other biologically important molecules.

More recently, my laboratory has expanded into RNA-targeted medicinal chemistry, developing small molecules that selectively recognize structured viral RNA motifs as potential antiviral agents. This work integrates synthetic chemistry, structural biology, and molecular pharmacology to explore new therapeutic approaches for viral diseases.

Through innovative chemistry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the training of the next generation of scientists, my research aims to advance both the chemistry and biology of promising therapeutic molecules while contributing to the development of future treatments for cancer and other serious diseases.

Working in the Bergdahl group

Students in the Bergdahl Research Group receive extensive training in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology while working on research projects aimed at addressing important challenges in human health. Our research spans the discovery, synthesis, and biological evaluation of natural products and their analogs as potential therapeutic agents for cancer, infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders, and other serious illnesses. Students are actively involved in projects that combine fundamental organic chemistry with translational research, providing a unique opportunity to see how molecular design can lead to advances in medicine.

Research projects often involve the development of new synthetic methodologies, complex natural products, and the design of medicinally relevant compounds inspired by nature. Students gain experience in modern medicinal chemistry approaches, including structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, lead optimization, including computational molecular design, and the synthesis of analog libraries intended to improve biological activity, selectivity, and pharmacological properties. Through extensive collaborations with biologists, pharmacologists, and clinicians, students also gain insight into how synthetic compounds are evaluated in cellular and animal models and how new therapeutic candidates progress through the drug discovery pipeline.

A significant component of our research focuses on marine natural products and their derivatives. Through collaborations with scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the UC San Diego School of Medicine, the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and other research centers in Southern California, students have the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary projects at the interface of chemistry and biomedicine. These collaborations expose students to diverse scientific perspectives and demonstrate how chemistry can be integrated with molecular biology, pharmacology, cancer research, and drug development.

Students receive hands-on training in a broad range of experimental techniques. This includes advanced synthetic organic chemistry, reaction design and optimization, stereoselective synthesis, and the preparation of complex molecules under air- and moisture-sensitive conditions. Laboratory training encompasses the use of Schlenk lines, vacuum manifold techniques, and other inert-atmosphere methodologies commonly employed in both academic and industrial research laboratories.

Equally important is the development of strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Students learn to characterize compounds using modern spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy (IR), mass spectrometry (MS), and chromatographic methods. They are trained to interpret complex experimental data, determine molecular structure and stereochemistry, investigate reaction mechanisms, and troubleshoot challenging synthetic problems. These experiences provide a strong foundation for careers in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, and academic science.

Graduate students in my laboratory benefit from close mentorship, a collaborative research environment, and a culture that encourages creativity, independence, and scientific curiosity. Students are expected to think critically, develop their own ideas, and take ownership of their projects. Some of our most successful research outcomes have originated from student-driven observations and innovative approaches to challenging problems. We place a strong emphasis on scientific communication, publication of research findings in respected international journals, and presentation of results at regional and national conferences.

Our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including positions at Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Neurocrine Biosciences, and other leading companies. Others have pursued graduate studies, medical school, pharmacy school, and research careers at institutions such as UC San Diego, USC, Scripps Research, and many other highly regarded universities. Whether students pursue careers in industry, academia, medicine, or biotechnology, the training they receive in our laboratory equips them with the technical expertise, critical-thinking skills, and scientific confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape.

Most relevant publications

• Miyamoto Y, Hurysz B, Fajtova P, Eckmann P, Serafim M, Kronenberger T, Al-Hindy M, Dekker P, Maurits E, Overkleeft H, Bergdahl B, Almaliti J, Gerwick W, O’Donoghue A, Eckmann L. Inhibitors of the 20S proteasome β5 subunit as potent and selective agents against Trichomonas vaginalis . Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2025 December 10; 69(12). Available from: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aac.00893-25 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00893-25
• Schmit D, Milewicz U, Boerneke M, Burley S, Walsworth K, Um J, Hecht D, Hermann T, Bergdahl B. Syntheses and Binding Testing of N1-Alkylamino-Substituted 2-Aminobenzimidazole Analogues Targeting the Hepatitis C Virus Internal Ribosome Entry Site*. Australian Journal of Chemistry. 2020 January 31; 73(3):212-221. Available from: https://connectsci.au/ch/article/73/3/212/91708/Syntheses-and-Binding-Testing-of-N1-Alkylamino DOI: 10.1071/CH19526
• Banasik B, Wang L, Kanner A, Bergdahl B. Further insight into the asymmetric vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction (VMAR); application to the synthesis of the C27–C45 segment of lagunamide A. Tetrahedron. 2016 May; 72(19):2481-2490. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0040402016302216 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2016.03.079
• Dibrov S, Ding K, Brunn N, Parker M, Bergdahl B, Wyles D, Hermann T. Structure of a hepatitis C virus RNA domain in complex with a translation inhibitor reveals a binding mode reminiscent of riboswitches. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2012 March 19; 109(14):5223-5228. Available from: https://pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1118699109 DOI:10.1073/pnas.1118699109
• El-Batta A, Jiang C, Zhao W, Anness R, Cooksy A, Bergdahl M. Wittig Reactions in Water Media Employing Stabilized Ylides with Aldehydes. Synthesis of α,β-Unsaturated Esters from Mixing Aldehydes, α-Bromoesters, and Ph3P in Aqueous NaHCO3. The Journal of Organic Chemistry. 2007 June 09; 72(14):5244-5259. Available from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jo070665k DOI: 10.1021/jo070665k

MS Theses and Ph.D. Dissertations (2019-present)

17. Michael Kelly, Ph.D. Thesis 2019. Steps Away from (–)-Azaspirene: Synthesis of the Core Spirocycle Chemical Studies in Copper(I) Iodide Dimethyl Sulfide Catalyzed Asymmetric Conjugate Addition. Wittig Chemistry in the Teaching Laboratory: A Novel Water-Organic Interface Reaction.
18. Lee Wang, Ph.D. Thesis 2019. Total Synthesis of Marine Natural Products: Micromide, Its Analogs, and Lagunamide A.
19. Anthony Acuna, MS Thesis 2024. Chemical Total Syntheses of Carmaphycin A&B Derivatives.
20. Kevin Walsworth, Ph.D. Thesis 2024. Part 1. Total Synthesis of Marine Natural Product Palmyramide. Part 2. Synthesis of New Hepatitis C Virus Translational Inhibitors.

Undergraduate Students:

Graham Abra	Jerry Almazan	Ann Baac	Ian Ballard	Anastasiya Bender
Natalie Benson	Meriem Boukhelifa	Philip Calixto	Leslie Chang	Anna Cholewczynski
Lance Cohen	Alex Colla	Andrea Cordero	Paul Coutinho	Stephanie Cox
Clara Croux	Thomas Cummins	Jaimie DaCosta	Gregoire Desnos	Jamie Duensing
Alexis Duke	Christopher Duke	David Eccker	Ann Edlund	Jessica Eklund
Rebekkah Eklund	Matthew Farmer	Sidney Feese	Nicholas Felines	Sara Fink
Max Frohlich	Errysteinn Frondarina	Rodney Gabriel	Joanna Garcia	Brandon Gonzalez
Dulce Gonzalez	Jason Green	Daniel Grohs	Danielle Johnson	David Arthur Jones
Tyler Hall	Claudia Hammi	Amanda Harris-Scott	Nicholas Hernandez	Blake Houser
Benny Hsieh	Jihyun Hwang	Matt Johnson	Jan-Marie Kelly	Kelly Kivlahan
Nikki Kohnen	Elijah Kragulj	Jessica Lang	My Le	David Macaraig
Claire Mackin	Mark Mahoney	Melody Matthe	David McClaskey	Niki Mehdizadegan
Yamilette Mendez	Andrew Meyer	Devin Miner	Josia Molina	Austin Moser
Sean Najjar	Michael Niemeyer	Lisa Nguyen	Ozuago Okonkwo	Tivoli Olsen
Gustavo Ortiz	Nastassia Parker	Nicole Pelletier	Kelly Pearson	Adam Perez
Steven Pham	Steve Plotkin	Tara Rao	Kayla Rasmussen	Juan Rodriguez
Maximilian Roemer	Octavio Romo	Alex Rovira	Angelica Ruiz	John Salazar
Zachary Scott	Todd Simmons	Anthony Simon	Samantha Siracusa	Tim Slugocki
Inna Sosinsky	Martin Stieler	Jarred Stillman	Rukman Thota	Henry Todd
Sidney Tran	Myan Umayam	Andrew Valiere	Juliette Vassallo	Alex Vonarb
Alyssa Wakefield	Lee Wang	Ari Widjaja	Jason Zbieg

Graduate Students:

Anthony Acuna	Rafael Aguilera	Robert Anness	Brent Banasik	Daniel Born
Scott Burley	Jesse Dambacher	Sabrina Dilts	Lucas Fallot	Beatris Flores
Gisele Guerrero	Taleb Hage	Amer Hajjawi	Artur Hubert	Florian Hyseni
Changchun Jiang	Arielle Kanner	Michael Kelly	Julie Kinyoun	Isabella Lerario
Eriketi Loizidou	Kay Merkens	Urszula Milewicz	Tim Montgomery	Jonas Niedballa
Julian Papadopoulos	Patrick Pollock	David Schmitt	Torben Schumann	Zosia Szkoda
Francisco Silva	Monny Singh	Gereon Sommer	Paul Smith	Brent Thomas
Caroline Tibbitts	Daniela Vasilu	Lee Wang	Kevin Walsworth	Ann Warren
Wen Zao