Merrimack College President Christopher E. Hopey recently announced the awarding of tenure to Jimmy Franco, of North Andover, an associate professor in the chemistry and biochemistry department.

Franco was recently granted tenure and promoted from assistant to associate professor in the chemistry and biochemistry department at Merrimack. Franco completed his undergraduate work at Beloit College, where he earned a degree in chemistry before earning a doctorate in chemistry at the University of California, Davis. Before joining Merrimack, Franco was a visiting professor at the University of Toledo in Ohio.

Francos research is focused on the areas of medicinal chemistry and chemical education. The medicinal chemistry aspect of his work focuses on neglected diseases such as tuberculosis and histoplasmosis. His group uses a combination of organic synthesis, biochemistry and computational chemistry to identify novel therapeutics for these diseases. In the area of chemical education, Franco works to identify engaging pedagogical methods in chemistry and biochemistry. Franco credits undergraduate student researchers for their integral roles in both areas of research with a number of their contributions being acknowledged as co-authors on peer reviewed publications and presentations.

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North Andover resident receives tenure at Merrimack College - Wicked Local North Andover