Patrick O. Olademehin, Ph.D.

Physical Chemistry I
Physical Chemistry II
General Chemistry

Ph.D., Baylor University
M.Sc., University of Jos (Nigeria)
B.Sc., University of Jos (Nigeria)

Patrick O. Olademehin, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry at St. Mary’s University, where he combines a passion for research, teaching and mentorship to inspire the next generation of scientists. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical and Computational Chemistry from Baylor University, where he also completed postdoctoral training and taught Biophysical and General Chemistry classes.

Olademehin’s research focuses on quantum chemical modeling of molecular interactions, particularly as it relates to drug discovery and the mechanism of antibiotic resistance. His work explores how computational approaches — ranging from Density Functional Theory (DFT) to molecular dynamics simulations — can be used to predict and understand molecular behavior at the atomic level. By examining how small changes in molecular structure affect reactivity, binding affinity and selectivity, his research contributes to the broader goal of accelerating rational drug design.

In his teaching, Olademehin instructs Physical Chemistry I and II and General Chemistry, emphasizing the integration of computational chemistry as a tool for conceptual understanding and chemical intuition. He incorporates modeling and visualization exercises into lectures and laboratories to bridge theory with real-world applications, equipping students with both analytical reasoning and technical proficiency.

Guided by the philosophy that teachers are like gardeners, Olademehin views education as a process of cultivation — creating the intellectual conditions necessary for curiosity, growth and self-discovery. He strives to foster an environment where students feel supported to question, experiment and think critically, thereby preparing them to thrive in both academic and professional settings.

Olademehin, O.P., Shuford, K.L., Kim, S.J. (2022). “Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Secondary-binding Site in Disaccharide-modified Glycopeptide Antibiotics.” Sci Rep, 12, 7087.

Olademehin, O.P., Ellington, T. L., Shuford, K.L. (2021). “Towards Quantum Confinement in Graphitic Carbon Nitride-based Polymeric Monolayers.” J. Phys. Chem. A, 125, 7597-7606.

Olademehin, O.P., Kim, S.J., Shuford, K.L. (2021). “Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Atomic Interactions in the Vancomycin Binding Site.” ACS Omega, 6(1), 775-785.

Olademehin, O.P., Liu, C., Rimal, B., Adegboyega, N.F., Chen, F., Sim, C., Kim, S.J. (2020). “Dsi-RNA knockdown of genes regulated by Foxo reduces glycogen and lipid accumulations in diapausing Culex pipiens.” Sci Rep, 10(1), 17201.

Plunk, M.A., Alaniz, A., Olademehin, O.P., Ellington, T.L., Shuford, K.L., Kane, R.R. (2020). “Design and Catalyzed Activation of Tak-242 Prodrugs for Localized Inhibition of TLR4-Induced Inflammation.” ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 11(2), 141-146.

Wang, F., Zhou, H., Olademehin, O.P., Kim, S.J., Tao, P. (2018). “Insights into key interactions between vancomycin and bacterial cell wall structures.” ACS Omega, 3(1), 37-45.