With approximately 61% of Americans taking at least one prescription medication and 27% taking 4 or more prescriptions in 2025, The Ohio State University at Marion lecture series Buckeye Talks on Tap will take an in depth look at the history and development of drugs. Ohio State Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Ryan Yoder will present a free community lecture entitled “The Evolution of Drug Design: From Remedies to Rationality,” Tuesday, July 8, 5:30 p.m. at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen.
This presentation explores the rich and evolving history of drug design, tracing how humans have developed medicines from ancient remedies to modern therapies. It highlights the transformation of drug discovery from chance findings and traditional practices to more systematic, science-driven approaches. Along the way, Yoder will examine how advances in technology, research methods, and regulation have shaped the way medicines are created and tested.
Ohio State chemistry professor talks evolution of drug design
Yoder earned his Ph.D. in organic/computation chemistry from The Ohio State University in 2013. He currently teaches organic chemistry and serves as a mentor for undergraduate research at The Ohio State University at Marion. His research focus has centered on the areas of drug design for cancer therapeutics, molecular modeling to combat toxic organophosphorus nerve agents, and chemical education, including student-centered teaching and computational tools in labs.
Buckeye Talks on Tap are held the second Tuesday of each month at Bucci’s Italian Scratch Kitchen, on The Dock, at 320 W. Center St., Marion, Ohio. Buckeye Talks on Tap is patterned after the successful international phenomenon Science Cafe that features engaging conversation in casual environments like pubs, restaurants and cafes between academic/scientific experts and the community on topics of interest to us all.
During Buckeye Talks on Tap, Ohio State faculty and other community experts will share the latest research and scholarly information on timely subjects from the environment, astronomy, agronomy, health and wellness, linguistics, crime, engineering a better Marion, food safety, Ohio migration patterns and much more. The goal of the lecture series is to bring the campus and the community together in casual open discussions about timely thought-provoking topics of interest to citizens of the Marion regional area.
Attendees are encouraged to eat, drink and relax during the lecture portion of the evening. Doors open for the event at 5 p.m., allowing attendees to place any food or drink orders. The lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. and a question-and-answer open discussion begins at 6 p.m. Those attending the event will be entered to win a door prize provided by Marcie DeWitt from Anchor and Away Travel. Attendees will also be entered into a monthly drawing for a $500 tuition voucher to The Ohio State University at Marion. Have dinner, a drink, and join this lively casual presentation/discussion.
The Ohio State University at Marion was established in 1957 in Marion, Ohio as one of four Ohio State regional campuses. The 187-acre campus provides an open access portal to Ohio's flagship university, faculty expertise, and the breadth and depth of opportunity synonymous with one of the country's top public universities. Students can earn and associate of arts or bachelor's degree in biology, business, education, engineering technology, English, history, nursing, psychology, or social work on the Marion campus or begin any of 200+ Ohio State degree programs. Ohio State Marion's caring community of world-renowned faculty scholars and researchers and dedicated staff are passionate about fostering the full potential of each student in an inclusive environment that embraces the idea of caring and personal attention. Ohio State Marion prepares students for meaningful careers through innovative, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences and seeks to be the destination of choice for those seeking a university education at a campus recognized for excellence in teaching, research, community outreach, and citizenship.