Bio

Regina C. So, Ph.D. is an organic chemist with expertise spanning synthetic methodology, catalysis, peptide chemistry and late-stage functionalization. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Connecticut under Professor Amy R. Howell, where she developed efficient synthetic routes to glycosphingolipids, including the formal synthesis of Plakoside A. Following her doctoral work, she joined Professor Mukund P. Sibi’s group at North Dakota State University as a postdoctoral researcher, pioneering relay ligand strategies for asymmetric catalysis.

From 2005 to 2018, she served as a faculty member at Ateneo de Manila University, where she founded and led a productive research group, mentored graduate and undergraduate students, and designed innovative curricula in organic chemistry. Her career reflects a strong record of interdisciplinary collaboration, impactful publications, and dedication to inclusive mentoring in STEM.

Currently, she continues advancing translational applications of synthetic chemistry through research in the U.S., with a focus on peptide ligation, natural product derivatization, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.

Awards and Fellowship

  • LMG Chemicals Professorial Chair – Multi-year award recipient for research excellence. 2011-2018
  • Global Young Scientists Summit Participant – Selected for the summit on “Advancing Science, Creating Technologies for a Better World”. 2013
  • Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) – National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). 2011
  • World Economic Forum Young Leaders Representative – Invited discussant on “Managing Science for a Better World”. 2008
  • 1st Place, DuPont Search for Young Scientists – Recognized for excellence in scientific innovation. 2007
  • Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship – University of Connecticut.

Selected Presentations

  • So, R. C.; Gouse, S.; Boddu, U. R.; Suzuki, S.; Zhang, X.; Nguyen, J.; Nguyen, E.; Fleig, A.; Sun, H.-S.; Feng, Z.-P.; Hull, K.; Horgen, F. D.; Romo, D. Designed derivatization of Waixenicin A toward a broader structure-activity relationship profile and Identification of more drug-like TRPM7 channel inhibitors. Poster, 2026 Gordon Research Seminar and Conference on Marine Natural Products, Ventura, CA, February 28-March 6, 2026. GRS Discussion Leader for the Biosynthesis and Bioengineering for Metabolite Production and Discovery session.
  • So, R. C. Designed derivatization of waixenicin A, a potent TRPM7 inhibitor from Sarcothelia edmondsoni. Talk, Baylor Interdisciplinary Cancer Group, June 27, 2025.
  • So, R. C.; Jalan, A.; Kopach, M. E.; Castle, S. L. Exploring the utility and scope of a novel serine ligation method. Poster, American Peptide Society Symposium 2023, Scottsdale, AZ, June 24-29, 2023.
  • So, R. C.; Jalan, A.; Kopach, M. E.; Castle, S. L. Development of green and sustainable methods for peptide ligation. Poster, 2022 Gordon Research Seminar and Conference on Chemistry and Biology of Peptides, Oxnard, CA, October 29-November 4, 2022. (GRS fellowship; GRC, Travel award)