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[posted 2/23/26 6:00 p.m.]
Jitendra Belani, PhD, MS, MBA
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Contact Information
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Education
MBA, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA
Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
PhD, Organic Chemistry: University of California, Irvine, CA
MS, Medicinal Chemistry: MCPHS University, Boston, MA
Publications
- Enaminone-Directed Rh(III)-Catalyzed Hydroarylation Reaction of Oxa/azabenzonorbornadienes through C-H Bond Functionalization
- Choline—An Essential Nutrient with Health Benefits and a Signaling Molecule
- Aryne Multicomponent Reactions by Directed C−H Activation
- Palladium-Catalyzed Oxidative Allylic Alkylation of N -Hydroxyimides
- Chirality effect on cholesterol modulation of protein function
LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS
- Pennsylvania Pharmacist Licensure
- APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
AWARDS & HONORS
- Thomas Jefferson University Award for Outstanding Teaching, 2025
- Delta Mu Delta – International Honor Society in Business, 2024
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Teacher of the Year Award, 2024
- Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, 2021
- Thomas Jefferson University Award for Outstanding Teaching, 2019.
- Rho Chi Society – National Honor Society in Pharmacy, 2018
- Watumull Foundation Award for Merit 1998
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) – Member
- Pennsylvania Pharmacy Association – Member
- American Chemical Society (ACS) – Member
- Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) – Member
Research & Clinical Interests
My research integrates synthetic organic chemistry, computer-aided drug discovery, and the scholarship of teaching and learning in pharmaceutical sciences.
In C–H activation, my focus on developing novel methodologies to functionalize otherwise inert carbon–hydrogen bonds, enabling more efficient, selective, and sustainable synthesis of complex, drug-like molecules. These approaches employ transition-metal catalysis, tailored ligand design, and reaction optimization for regio- and stereoselectivity, with applications in late-stage functionalization of bioactive compounds.
In computer-aided drug design (CADD), in my research use molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and structure-based virtual screening to identify and optimize lead compounds targeting therapeutically relevant proteins. Recent projects have included repurposing FDA-approved drugs for focal adhesion kinase inhibition, exploring structure–activity relationships, and integrating computational predictions with in vitro validation to accelerate the drug discovery process.
In pedagogy, my research designs, implements, and evaluates innovative teaching strategies in medicinal chemistry and related disciplines. Notable work includes the development of a functional group analysis activity that measurably improved student understanding and application of chemical principles over three years. This research advances evidence-based teaching practices and supports student success in PostBac, PharmD, and graduate programs.