Seniors Scott Anderson and David Nitschmann presented their undergraduate research projects at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society on Aug. 19 in Boston, Mass. The meeting brought together students and researchers from all over the world and allowed them to showcase the cutting-edge research happening in all disciplines of chemistry.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Phillip Pelphrey, associate professor of chemistry and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, each student conducted research as part of the Robert A. Welch Foundation Summer Research Program. This 8-week, paid internship allows students to gain valuable laboratory experience to help further their knowledge and skill in the chemical sciences.

Anderson and Nitschmann presented their poster titled: “Copper Mediated Synthesis of 2,4-Diaminopyrimidines: A Potential New Class of DHFR Inhibitors,” which focuses on the development of new potential drug targets for the treatment of resistant strains of bacteria.

This is an ongoing research project in collaboration with Dr. Terrence Neumann of Texas Wesleyan University and Dr. Amy Anderson and Dr. Dennis Wright of the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy.

To learn more about research opportunities or the Welch Summer Research Program, please contact the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at 817-531-5869 or ppelphrey@txwes.edu.