Simeon Kotchoni, PhD

Associate Professor-Molecular Physiology and Biochemistry

Office: (916) 686-7690
Fax: (916) 686-8142
Simeon.Kotchoni@cnsu.edu

Simeon Kotchoni, PhD

About

Dr. Kotchoni is an associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences at California Northstate University College of Pharmacy (CNUCOP). Prior to joining CNUCOP, he was an assistant Professor at Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey (2011-2017). He received his B.S. and MS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from University of Abomey Calavi, Benin, and another MS in Microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Bonn, Germany, where he study the role of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) Gene superfamily in a model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. This study has a significant relevance on human cancer gene therapy, with the current use of ALDH gene family as stem cell markers in genetic cancer prediction/screening and treatment. After his Ph.D., Dr. Kotchoni has worked as a postdoctoral researcher in Europe (Bonn, Germany), and USA (West Virginia University and Purdue University), using interdisciplinary research techniques, including molecular genetics, cell biology, proteomics, transcriptomics, plant metabolomics to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of growth development and environmental adaptation of organisms. His recent accomplishment includes the characterization of bioactive compounds from diverse biological systems for drug discovery.

Accomplishments & Awards

  • NSF-REU DBI # 1263163 (renew Grant). 2016-2018
  • NSF-REU DBI # 1263163. 2013-2016
  • Rutgers-Rowan Joint Board Grant. 2015-2017
  • Burroughs Welcome Fund (BWF) Grant. 2015-2016
  • GAIA Grant. 2014-2016
  • Raman, University Grand Commission Grant. 2014-2015
  • German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Research Grant. 2000-2004