Abstract
Scientific research is “a lot of fun,” Sac State Chemistry Professor Kathie McReynolds insists. But in her lab, it also has a serious purpose. She and her students are studying agents capable of slowing the spread of deadly viruses, including those with the potential for causing epidemics or even pandemics. In the latest episode of “Beyond J,” McReynolds discusses her academic journey and career path, the joy of teaching, why she makes sure to involve students in the lab and the implications of her groundbreaking research. Eventually, her studies of “molecules with purpose” could contribute to the development of nasal or throat sprays that could keep viruses like coronavirus at bay, reducing illnesses and hospitalizations.