Chemistry and Biochemistry News

Biochemistry Student Arianna Pulik is interning in the lab of Dr. Paul Shapiro at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. She is working on determining the structure activity relationship of a protein kinase ERK2 in cells and how it can be manipulated to inhibit inflammation and cell proliferation in cases of melanoma. She does a lot of reading, which surprised her, but she is learning how much planning goes into research. She is also enjoying learning new skills and knowledge, and is appreciative of the collaborative atmosphere. She is truly excited by her work, and hopes this experience helps her to become a competitive medical school applicant.

Summer Science Scholars (S3RP) in Chemistry and Biochemistry, L-R: Kevin Wassenius (chem), Tamar Singman (chem), and Marisa Sloan (biochem) Their projects, under the supervision of Dr. Will Harrell, are described below.

Marisa and Tamar are working on a project developing anion receptors that utilize non-traditional C-H hydrogen bonding as a potential therapeutic for cystic fibrosis.

Kevin is working on a project aimed at the synthesis and characterization of visnagin analogs with potential anti-cancer properties.

Every day in lab is FUN!

Chemistry major and student athlete Maddie Silverman is interning at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals this summer in Boston. Showing the importance of networking, Maddie landed this position through her ice hockey community connections. It just goes to show that you never know where an opportunity is lurking. The complete story can be read here.

2023 Chemistry Graduate Nicole Bourne has started a position as a Laboratory Technician at Parexel in Baltimore. Parexel is an international Clinical Research organization, providing services to biopharmaceutical companies looking to develop new drugs. Baltimore is the location for their early phase clinics. Congratulations, Nicole on your new position!

Summer Science Scholars (S3RP) in Chemistry and Biochemistry, L-R: Riley Schap (biochem), MacKenzie Redding (biochem), and Tabytha McLaughlin (chem). Their projects, under the supervision of Dr. Matt Hudson, are described below.

Riley and Tabytha are attempting to synthesize and modify porous inorganic materials to make fluorescent marker molecules that can be used in forensic science applications. These application can be (1) latent fingerprint determination by interaction with fingerprint secretions or (2) in the evaluation and identification of gun shot residue (GSR) by reaction through either as a tracer in ammunition or in the sensing of post firing GSR.

MacKenzie is working on making edible and flexible porous materials frameworks that can be used to encapsulate drug molecules for more effective delivery than can be accomplished through traditional drug uptake.