Staff Spotlight – Jacob Bouchard, Ph.D., Drug Discovery Scientist
The Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University consists of a remarkable community dedicated to advancing the translation of basic science to novel therapeutics to treat serious brain disorders. In addition to our outstanding faculty, postdocs, and trainees who are at the forefront of our cutting-edge research, a large part of our center’s success is attributed to our staff.
We sat down with Medicinal Chemistry Drug Discovery Scientist, Jacob Bouchard, who told us a little about himself.
What do you do for the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University?
I am a chemist on the Medicinal Chemistry Team. My responsibilities involve the synthesis and design of chemical targets for various drug discovery projects.
How long have you been working with the WCNDD?
I am entering my third year here at the WCNDD. I joined as a postdoctoral fellow in 2023 and was fortunate enough to transition to a Drug Discovery Scientist role in August 2025.
What is unique about working for WCNDD?
The WCNDD is made up of great people with a variety of different backgrounds and expertise. This diversity makes it a great place for new ideas and creative perspectives.
What is your favorite memory or project you completed during your time at WCNDD so far, and why?
I have made a lot of great project memories during my time at the WCNDD. One that comes to mind is publishing our natural product synthesis paper on Phochrodines A-C in Journal of Natural Products. Natural product synthesis is very different from what I did during my graduate studies, and it was gratifying to see how my chemistry skills have expanded due to my time at the Center.
What is a professional or personal achievement that you are most proud of?
A professional achievement I am proud of is the awards I have received for talks I have given. Communication, to both broad audiences and those in your field, is one of the most important parts of science. I make it a priority that my presentations be accessible to everyone in the audience and I feel honored to be recognized for that.
What is a fun fact about you?
Before finding chemistry, I was enrolled in culinary school planning to pursue a career in food. Nowadays I just cook for friends and family, but I love trying new recipes and experimenting with new ingredients. Fun fact, we have a lot of great chefs and bakers at the WCNDD!
What activities do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I spend my time playing ice hockey, cooking, reading (mainly science fiction and comics), playing video games, and going on adventures with my girlfriend Paige and our puppy Bogey.
What advice would you give to a student interested in pursuing a career in your field of work?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! It can be intimidating to ask questions in a new environment, but everyone you are working with has been in your position before and is more than willing to help you learn and succeed.
