Kothari, Salim receive Lauver Medicinal Chemistry Fellowship
LAWRENCE — Manan Kothari and Ameena Salim have been named recipients of the 2026 Dr. Gregory and Frances Lauver Medicinal Chemistry Fellowship in the University of Kansas Department of Medicinal Chemistry.
The fellowship, awarded annually to the most outstanding first-year graduate student in the department, recognizes excellence in academic performance, research productivity and departmental citizenship. Faculty select recipients based on coursework at KU, the quality and quantity of research conducted and contributions to the department community.
The award was presented Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, by Michael Wolf, PhD, Mathias P. Mertes Professor of Medicinal Chemistry.
Salim, who conducts research in the laboratory of Mark Farrell, is being recognized for exceptional achievement during her first year of graduate study. Farrell said Salim combines strong academic performance with impressive research productivity and thoughtful engagement within the department.
Salim’s research focuses on synthesizing complex sugar structures known as high-mannose N-glycans. These molecules are notoriously difficult to build because the chemical reactions required are highly sensitive to water, oxygen and light. By incorporating a thiol “handle” into the glycans, Salim is creating versatile molecular tools that can be used to better understand how sugars influence biological processes and to support future assay and labeling approaches.
Farrell noted that Salim’s careful experimental practice, resilience in the face of challenging chemistry and initiative in advancing her project distinguish her work.
Kothari joined the Department of Medicinal Chemistry after completing a Master of Science in chemistry at IIT Palakkad in India. In his first year at KU, he demonstrated strong academic performance and research commitment, earning selection for the fellowship.
Kothari conducts research in the laboratory of Iredia Iyamu, where he is developing first-in-class chemical probes to study the biological functions of novel histidine methyltransferases. His work aims to better understand the role of these enzymes in disease, particularly cancer.
Iyamu said Kothari has shown exceptional motivation, commitment and intellectual curiosity in his research efforts.
The Lauver Fellowship highlights the department’s commitment to fostering early research excellence and supporting graduate students as they advance innovative work in medicinal chemistry.