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Reuben D

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at Brigham Young University

Expertise

Immunology, Antivirals, Blood Diseases, Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Drug Discovery & Development, Biochemistry, Gene Therapy, Oligonucleotides, Nuclear Medicince

Bio

I am a Research Scientist at Purdue University. I research and supervise the investigation of diseases of the human body and how they can be understood and treated. Specifically, I am conducting active research on cancers, RSV and sickle cell disease. I have a Bachelors in Chemistry with a Minor in Biology. My PhD was in Medicinal Chemistry, which focuses on the design and development of drug therapies for diseases of the human body. I was a Postdoctoral Associate at Purdue University. The therapeutic areas of my research include gene therapy, immunology, radiotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, antivirals, antibacterials, and antiparasitics. When I am not at work, I like to build Legos, hike with my dog or go to the gym!

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.

Genetic markers for the diagnosis and treatment of Sickle Cell Disease

This project highlights the genetic differences between healthy and patients with sickle cell disease. The genetic drivers and the effects of the genetic differences will be highlighted. Additionally, the downstream molecular targets from these genetic differences will be reviewed and discussed as potential therapeutic targets. The therapies discussed include gene therapy, monoclonal antibodies and small molecule drugs.

Radioligands and their utility as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for cancers.

The physics and chemistry of radio nucleotides will be discussed. This discussion will lead to the appropriate application in imaging and cell killing as treatments for cancers. Examples of drugs utilizing radioligands will be discussed, their synthesis and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic properties will be expounded upon. The molecular effects of using radioligand will be discussed as well. Suggestions as to future developments and potential advancements will be proposed.

Languages I know

Malay, Indonesian - Proficient

Teaching experience

I am a Researcher at Purdue University. I currently mentor 5 undergraduates who are part of my team researching the development of therapeutics against Cancers, Viruses and Blood Related Disorders. Prior to this position, I was a teaching assistant and co-teacher for General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Immunology 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 Researcher
Simmons Center for Cancer Research (2019 - 2020)
Research Fellow
Purdue University Institute for Drug Discovery (2022 - 2023)
Post-Doctoral Associate
Purdue University (2023 - Current)
Research Scientist

Education

National University of Malaysia
BS Bachelor of Science (2017)
Chemistry
Brigham Young University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy (2022)
Medicinal Chemistry (Oncology)

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