Lepore Group Alumni
More Lepore Group Photos
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Dr. Salvatore D.
Lepore
Group Members
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Dr. Max Silvestri: Postdoctoral Fellow (August 2003-Current)
Ph.D. Medicinal Chemistry, Purdue University
B.S. Chemistry, Central Michigan University
Background: Max's doctoral research involved the design (based on Molecular modeling) and multi-step synthesis of novel HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in the alkenyldiarylmethane series. The results of this research were published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (2004, 47, 3149-3162 and 2001, 44, 4092-4113) and in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry (2003, 17, 1703-1708). Prior to his doctoral studies, Max interned in the analytical chemistry division of the Dow Chemical Company.
Current Projects: Dr. Silvestri has spearhead efforts to synthesize isochromophilone II (iso2) - a natural product HIV cell entry inhibitor and asperuloside - a natural product with anticancer activity. His initial efforts to establish proof-of-concept for a key [4+2] cycloaddition step required for the total synthesis projects have led to the publication of two peer review journal articles in the Journal of Organic Chemistry (2005, 70, 8239 and 2005, 70, 7443) and one in Tetrahedron Letters (2006, 47, 1625). Dr. Silvestri is now developing an enamine/allenyl carbonyl addition reaction for application in the total synthesis of vitisinol D - a natural product with activity against platelet aggregation.
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Pamela Cohn: Masters student
B.S. Chemistry, FAU (2004)
Background: Pam C. worked with Anita Khoram on the development of an
asymmetric alknyne/allene rearrangement reaction involving
cyclopentadienyl manganese tricabronyl coordination chemistry. Pam's
focus in this research was to better understand the mechanism of the
rearrangement using isotopic effect studies
Current Projects: Pam is working to develop new solid and
solution-phase methods to rapidly fluoridate compounds for eventual
application in PET. She is also working with Song Ye to study the
kinetics of substitution reactions of aryl sulfonate-based nucleophile assisting leaving groups (NALGs).
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Deboprosad “Debo” Mondal: Doctoral Student B.S. Chemistry, Ramakrishna Mission Residential College, Narendrapur Calcutta University (2002)
M.S. Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (2004)
Background: Master thesis project on the synthesis of unsymmetrical Quinoxalines
Current Projects: Debo is currently working with Dr. Bhunia in the development of new methods to rapidly fluoridate compounds for eventual application in PET.
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Chang He: Doctoral Student
B.S. Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, China (1995)
Background: Chemical engineer (8 years) with Petrochina (Jilin City, China). Catalyst design for phenol alkylation; synthesis of ethylene propylene copolymers and chlorosulfonated polyethylenes.
Current Projects: Chang's research concerns the study of the isomerization of manganese coordinated conjugated alkynyl carbonyls to the corresponding allenyl carbonyls. He is also studying the unique reactivity of allenyl carbonyls for eventual application as reactive intermediates in total synthesis.
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Pradip Maity: Doctoral Student
B.S. Chemistry, University of Calcutta (2001)
M.S. Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (2003)
Background: Master thesis project on the synthesis of medium ring (5-7) cyclopentannulated spiro gamma-lactones.
Current Projects: Pradip is currently working on the development of new methods for the preparation of allene carbonyls with eventual application in total synthesis.
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Songye Li: Doctoral Student
B.S. Material Science and Engineering, Tianjin, Tianjin University (2001)
M.S. Material Science and Engineering, Tianjin, Tianjin University (2004)
Background: Bachelor thesis project on the properties and mechanisms of activation of cellulose fibers. Master thesis project on the synthesis and antibacterial mechanism of novel water-soluble chitosan derivatives.
Current Projects: Songye is currently developing new arylsulfonate-based nucleophile assisting leaving groups (NALGs) with enhanced reactivity relative to current methods. These new leaving groups are currently being evaluated in fluoridation reactions for eventual application in positron emission tomography (PET).
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Rob Hall:Undergraduate Researcher
B.S. Chemistry, FAU (Spring 2007)
Current Project: Scale up synthesis of allenyl carbonyls using methods developed in the Lepore lab. These allenyl carbonyls will serve as starting materials for methodology and synthesis projects in the group.
Future Direction: Doctoral studies in either physical or materials chemistry emphasizing nanotechnology. Applying to graduate schools in the fall of 2006.
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Updated: April 2006
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