IN THE NEWS: VSU Faculty, Student Research Team Develops Potential COVID-19 Antiviral

Valdosta State University recently invited South Georgia / North Florida news media to learn more about an antiviral faculty and students from the Department of Chemistry have created to help fight COVID-19. This faculty-student research team has spent the past two months working on this initiative and has developed an antiviral using bacteria from the ocean. The researchers have submitted an application to have their antiviral tested by the National Institutes of Health and are in the process of applying for a patent.

Visit the following news sites to learn more about this potentially life-saving work.
 
• Brian Jackson from WTXL ABC 27 shared “Valdosta State Chemistry Students Work Towards Cure for COVID-19” on May 11.
On the Web: https://www.wtxl.com/news/local-news/valdosta-state-chemistry-students-staff-work-towards-cure-for-covid-19
VSU Expert: Dr. Thomas J. Manning, professor of chemistry, and Jenu Thomas-Richardson, alumna and research team leader
 
• Emma Wheeler from WCTV shared “Valdosta State University Developing Potential Treatment for COVID-19” on May 6.
On the Web: https://www.wctv.tv/content/news/Valdosta-State-University-developing-potential-treatment-for-COVID-19-570249331.html
VSU Expert: VSU Expert: Dr. Thomas J. Manning, professor of chemistry, and Jenu Thomas-Richardson, alumna and research team leader
 
• Desiree Carver of The Valdosta Daily Times shared “Game Changer? VSU Team Hopes Research Will Help Fight COVID-19” on May 7.
On the Web: https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/news/local_news/game-changer-vsu-team-hopes-research-will-help-fight-covid-19/article_fb949d5f-f8fd-50f0-a4a9-3b15cd33b907.html
VSU Expert: VSU Expert: Dr. Thomas J. Manning, professor of chemistry, and Jenu Thomas-Richardson, alumna and research team leader
Special Note: This research was also recognized in an editorial in The Valdosta Daily Times on May 9 and in Georgia Trend Daily on May 8.
 
• Lenah Allen of The Spectator shared “Professor and Students Develop Possible COVID-19 Treatment” on May 8.
On the Web: http://www.vsuspectator.com/2020/05/08/vsu-professor-and-students-develop-possible-covid-19-treatment/
VSU Expert: VSU Expert: Dr. Thomas J. Manning, professor of chemistry, and Jenu Thomas-Richardson, alumna and research team leader

VSU is committed to creating a campus culture focused on individual student success, providing students with expanded transformational and experiential learning opportunities, and increasing regional impact by serving as a resource and innovative leader for South Georgia.
 
The health of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority, and VSU continues to monitor this global situation. Updates are posted at https://www.valdosta.edu/health-advisory/.