Dr. Schiefer’s lab carries out research in two areas at the interface of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology:
1) small molecule hit-to-lead optimization- using synthetic, bioanalytical, and bioorganic chemistry
2) target identification using techniques in chemical and cellular biology

He and his team are interested in creating and developing novel therapies for neurodegeneration, with an emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Their primary long-term objective is to translate SAFE and EFFECTIVE novel small molecule therapies into the clinic to improve patient outcomes and human health. His current work involves the development of attenuated nitric oxide (NO) mimetics as novel therapeutic candidates for stroke and AD. Dr. Schiefer was recently granted $2 million dollars by the National Institutes of Health to advance his research at the University of Toledo. At the age of 33, he is one of less than 4% of NIH funded researchers under the age of 35. Dr. Schiefer is a native of Bucyrus, OH, and lives with his wife and two daughters in Perrysburg.

Julia Faulkner Pechlivanos has been a member of Toledo Rotary since 1999. She is executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Julia joined the Alzheimer’s Association in May, 2017._The Northwest Ohio chapter serves 24 counties in Ohio.