Cal State Northridge Chemistry Professor on a Quest to Defeat Breast Cancer.(Gagik Melikyan)

Byline: Calif. State University, Northridge

NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Aug. 4 (AScribe Newswire) -- California State, Northridge, chemistry professor Gagik Melikyan was in the middle of an illustrious two-decade career in organic and organometallic chemistry when, two years ago, his life changed. At a Santa Barbara conference on breast cancer, it became clear to him that his expertise could be applied to the detection and possible cure of the disease.

After spending time with breast cancer survivors and devastated victims, Melikyan wrenched himself away from pure academics and entered the field of medicinal chemistry.

"When you meet these people, you …