MENTEE – Matthew Challis

Matthew Challis is a final year PhD candidate in the Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics (D4) department at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS). Studying under Associate Professor Darren Creek, Matthew’s PhD project is focused on the development of a new class of antimalarial compounds, the aminobenzimidazoles. Specifically, Matthew’s research aims to use mass spectrometry based omics methods, such as metabolomics and proteomics, to understand the currently unknown mechanism of action of the aminobenzimidazoles. As resistance to current frontline antimalarials is widespread, the ultimate goal of this project is to assist in the development of a novel antimalarial drug that may one day be used as a therapeutic to help treat people with malaria. Before starting his PhD, Matthew studied a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science Advanced with Honours at Monash University, obtaining a first class honours in 2017.