Purdue University-Main Campus · ChemistryThe Mass Spectrometry Initiative
Robert Graham Cooks · West Lafayette, Indiana
Research Focus
Dr. Robert Graham Cooks leads a research lab at Purdue University focused on developing advanced methods for drug discovery using mass spectrometry. His team specializes in high-throughput screening, a powerful technique that allows for rapid analysis and synthesis of potential therapeutic compounds. The lab's innovative work aims to discover new treatments, particularly for advanced-stage prostate cancer, by efficiently combining chemical synthesis and biological testing.
mass spectrometryhigh-throughput screeningdrug discoverybiological assaysorganic synthesisprostate cancersulfate transfer enzymeDESI-MSmicrodroplet reactionschemical analysis
Research Aims
5AIM 01Develop a high-throughput drug discovery platform that integrates synthesis and analysis.
AIM 02Screen and identify potential inhibitors for the sulfate transfer enzyme related to prostate cancer.
AIM 03Collaborate with NCATS to refine and implement the developed platform for broader applications.
AIM 04Demonstrate the versatility of the DESI-MS system in discovering novel therapeutic compounds.
AIM 05Explore applications of high-throughput technologies in directed molecular evolution.
Skills the Lab Values
mass spectrometryDESI-MSreaction screeningautomated synthesisbioassay developmentorganic synthesis techniquesdata analysis in chemistrymicrodroplet technologycollaborative research
Output against the department
Publications1,464top 1% of dept.3rd of 216
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations79ktop 1% of dept.3rd of 216
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.