FIU Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Worked with the X-Ray Diffractometer to research electron diffraction in single crystals and determine the molecular structure of the single crystal through the Olex2 software with Raphael Raptis, Ph.D., Indranil Chakraborty, Ph.D., and peers. Synthesized new crystal structures of oxo-rhenium complexes for the potential treatment of tumors and radiopharmaceutical applications, such as imaging for medical diagnostics.
Poster Presentation at FIU Conference for Undergraduate Research
The Conference for Undergraduate Research, Florida International University, April 2019 “New Oxo Rhenium(V) Pyrazolato Dimers: Chemical Differentiation of Products based on Precursors”
At this conference, I was able to present my research findings with FIU faculty, peers, and staff. After months of measuring, performing reactions, and recrystallizing crystals, I was ready to share the results with FIU faculty and peers. As I stood next to my poster, a participant inquired about my research and I explained how technetium, a radioactive chemical, is injected into a patient for a PET scan to detect tumors. My team and I researched an alternative chemical similar to technetium, known as rhenium, which is non-radioactive, thus, less harmful. She smiled as she described her mother was a breast cancer survivor who still needs PET scans to determine if her cancer recurred. Her experience made my research become a living reality that someday could benefit patients globally.
As I was performing chemical reactions and recrystallizing compounds, I was eager to continue obtaining different rhenium compounds to include in my upcoming poster presentation for CURFIU. I worked diligently and performed trial after trial to ensure I was putting in all of my efforts. While I was working meticulously, several of my lab mates were requesting my assistance with their individual experiments. Even with the time constraints and under pressure, I did not hesitate to help, and I was able to assist others while accomplishing my goal. Through my efforts, we were able to succeed as a team while being able to finish my poster successfully.
The significance of the research project was to synthesize crystals directed towards the development of rhenium-oxo pyrazole complexes of varied nuclearity, which could serve as catalysts for medical radiopharmaceuticals. After months of synthesizing crystals, I was having difficulty obtaining a rhenium crystal structure for the bromine halogen. I was confused because the same procedures were working to synthesize the other crystal compounds. I took a deep breath and went to seek help from my mentor as I re-checked my work. Upon discussion, we brainstormed for a possible solution. After re-calculating, changing a few steps, and multiple trials and errors, I was able to attain the correct compound. When pure grit and perseverance are not enough, I consult the help from others and find ways to circumvent barriers. While oftentimes research has failures, I learned how to think of alternatives and develop my problem-solving skills as well as patience and communication to achieve my goals. This experience taught me how to gain knowledge to approach unsolved problems and solve them using a systemic scientific process as a team. I strive to make valuable contributions to people’s health and well-being while making a far-reaching global impact through medical research alongside other health professionals.
Safety is always a top priority: safety glasses, gloves, white coat, and all procedures were always followed at the laboratory at all times.
Alongside my peers and faculty at the Florida International University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, I had the opportunity to research electron diffraction in single crystals and determine the molecular structure. We were able to synthesize new crystal structures of oxo-rhenium complexes for the potential treatment of tumors and radiopharmaceutical applications. Through our hard work and efforts, the paper and publication has been published. Congratulations to all for this amazing achievement! Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to work together on this project. It is great to see our hard work and dedication pay off. I am very happy to be a part of this!
Publication Citation: K. L. Rue, J. R. McLachlan, J. A. Cazzaniga, I. Chakraborty, C. J. Dares, R. G. Raptis, “Redox-active dinuclear oxorhenium(V) pyrazolate complexes”, Journal of Inorganica Chimica Acta.
Additional links: https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1549&context=fiu-undergraduate-research-conference
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