Reuben D
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Brigham Young University
Expertise
Organic Chemistry, Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Drug Discovery & Development, Biochemistry, Gene Therapy, Oligonucleotides, Nuclear Medicince
Bio
I am a Post-Doctoral Associate at the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery. My research focuses on the discovery and development of anticancer therapeutics for Multiple Myeloma and learning to modulate the immune system to fight disease. In addition to cancer research, I also investigate synthetic approaches to making drugs. I have experience using computer molecular docking software as part of my Structure-Activity-Relationship studies in designing and developing drug candidates. This has resulted in the discovery of two novel approaches to making complex and difficult chemical structures that would make drug making cheaper and eventually, more affordable. I have extensive experience in academic writing, biological assay and screening, synthetic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. My main areas of expertise are Cancer Biology, Viruses and Drug Discovery & Development. In my free time, I like to hike and explore National Parks with my wife and Black Lab! I like watching sitcoms and being outdoors to relax. I'm happy to work with anyone who has an interest in doing research or would just like to expand and enhance their knowledge base in any area of chemistry, cancer and anti-viral research. Extensive knowledge is not a requirement and I would love to guide you and help you identify your niche!Project ideas
Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines: Discovery of a selective inhibitor of JAK1 JH2 pseudokinase and VPS34
A series of novel 3,6-di-substituted or 3-substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines were prepared via a microwave-assisted approach that generated a broad array of derivatives in good yields (20–93%, ave. = 59%). The straightforward synthesis involved sequential treatment of commercially-available acetonitrile derivatives. Importantly, a simple yet novel compound was equipotent with the more synthetically challenging 3,6-disubstituted derivatives and exhibited a promising and unique selectivity profile when screened against a panel consisting of 403 protein kinases.
Languages I know
Malay, IndonesianTeaching experience
I am currently a Post-Doctoral Associate at Purdue University. I currently mentor 5 undergraduates who are part of my team researching the development of therapeutics against Multiple Myeloma. Prior to this position, I was a teaching assistant and co-teacher for General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry courses throughout my PhD program. During that time, I also privately tutored college students in Organic Chemistry. I have tutored over 10 students over the timeline described above.Credentials
Work experience
Brigham Young University (2017 - 2022)
Graduate ResearcherSimmons Center for Cancer Research (2019 - 2020)
Research FellowPurdue University Institute for Drug Discovery (2022 - Current)
Post-Doctoral AssociateEducation
National University of Malaysia
BS Bachelor of Science (2017)
ChemistryBrigham Young University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy (2022)
Medicinal Chemistry (Oncology)