Paul Helquist
Professor of Chemistry
Professor Paul Helquist’s research involves several aspects of organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biochemistry in a highly interdisciplinary setting with collaborators at several institutions in the United States and other countries. One of the many topics of his research has been the investigation of potential treatments for Niemann-Pick Type C disease, a rare, lethal hereditary disorder that most often affects young children and took the lives of three of Coach Ara Parseghian's grandchildren. This and other research topics, including antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs, have been based on the development of new methods for efficient production of new therapeutics in the laboratory.
Professor Helquist is driven by seeking connections between basic research and its applications to solve problems in the broader community. He considers contributing to the development of new medical breakthroughs as one of the most fundamental ways in which chemical research can be a force for good in the world. His work aligns with the University's Bioengineering & Life Sciences Initiative.
“Having spent the first ten years of my academic career at another university, I feel very fortunate to have been recruited 42 years ago to join the faculty at Notre Dame at a critical time during the Hesburgh era when major efforts were underway to build upon the University’s long-standing reputation of excellence in undergraduate education by strengthening its research profile. The unique ability of Notre Dame to bring people together from both within and outside the University to work on solving major problems for the greater good has echoed throughout my greater than four decades here.
“In parallel with research, I have also been able to experience with great joy teaching literally thousands of the very high caliber of outstanding, motivated students that Notre Dame attracts. All of these research and teaching endeavors are made possible by the great resources that the University can bring to bear in supporting the work of its faculty, staff, and students in a way that is unique compared to other institutions.
