Graduate Research Assistants
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Ámbar M. Alsina Sánchez – ambar.alsina@upr.edu
Ferrocenyl chalcones based scaffolds containing heterocyclic moieties as potential antimalarial agents:
Ámbar obtained a degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras Campus. She is currently on her second year of graduate school in organic chemistry and is a PhD candidate. For her graduate studies, she will be focusing on ferrocenyl chalcone bioconjugates and their biological activity.[/full_width]
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Juan Carlos Aponte-Santini – juankyacs@gmail.com
Synthesis and Characterization of Ferrocenyl Chalcones Heterocyclic Derivatives:
The main goal of the work is to contribute to the synthesis of ferrocene heterocycles that can display a wide range of potential applications, specifically as antitumor agents. This leads to the general objective of the research to synthesize these compounds and study their biological activity.
Mentorship Program in the Freshmen General Chemistry Course:
The main goal of this research project is to determine how the mentorship program “Selected Topics in Chemistry” (CHEM-5995) influences and helps both mentees and mentors to develop their academic and general intellectual skills as an essential component of their lifelong learning process.
Juan is a Ph.D. Candidate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras Campus. He is the second student to explore a combined thesis in organic chemistry and chemistry education research. He has distinguished himself as a very active member of the American Chemical Society since he was an undergraduate student. He is now the Chair for the Younger Chemists Committee in Puerto Rico. Furthermore, he is a member of the ACS Younger Chemists Committee at a national level with leading roles in sub-committees. He also has been recognized as a SciFinder Future Leader, ACS LGBTQ+ Symposium Alumni, Younger Chemist Committee Ambassador, ACS Office of International Activities International Symposium in Chemical Education Research Award, Younger Chemist Committee Leadership Development Award , ACS Green Chemistry Summer School Alumni, Sloan Foundation Graduate Scholar, NIH-RISE UPRRP Fellow, IUPAC Young Observer, and recently was selected for the FASEB Diversity Resources Program Postdoctoral Preparation Institute. He is an immense Britney Spears fan, Disney enthusiast, food science lover, and very passionate about cooking.[/full_width]
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Alejandro Burgos Suazo – alejandro.burgos2@upr.edu
Ferrocenyl chalcone derivatives and their biological application:
Alejandro obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras Campus. As an undergraduate he worked under the supervision of Dr. Ingrid Montes investigating in the area of ferrocenyl chalcone derivatives and their biological application. He is currently in the Chemistry graduate program at UPR-RP where he plans to keep working with ferrocenyl chalcones.[/full_width]
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Sara M. Delgado Rivera, MS – saramdr@gmail.com
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activities of Ferrocenyl Derivatives:
Sara is currently a graduate Chemistry student at the University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras Campus (UPR-RP). She completed her Master in Science degree in our lab on December of 2016, with the thesis project: Synthesis and Characterization of Ferrocenyl Chalcone Ammonium and Pyridinium Salt Derivatives. She is an active member of the American Chemical Society and is currently part of the National Committee of Community Activities. During her time as bachelor and master student at UPR-RP, she has been part of the mentorship programs for Chemistry students and teaching assistant of General and Organic Chemistry courses. In the future, she plans to finish her PhD in Chemistry and one day be a college professor and researcher as well as continue involved in the community service at the American Chemical Society.[/full_width]
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José Méndez – jose.mendez14@upr.edu
Synthesis and characterization of Ferrocenyl analogs to inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE):
Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Molecular Biology at University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras Campus. He worked as an undergraduate student in biochemistry on determining the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. Then he moved to the field of organic synthesis and electrochemistry where he synthesized ferrocenyl chalcone derivatives with the purpose of click chemistry and characterized some of the ferrocenyl chalcone compounds synthesized by the PhD student Juan C. Aponte by Cyclic Voltammetry. Currently, as a PhD student, he is working on the synthesis and characterization of Ferrocenyl analogs to inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.[/full_width]
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Joan Stephanie Torres Rodríguez joanstephanietorres@gmail.com
–Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Ferrocenyl Cannabidiol Analogs:
Joan Stephanie Torres Rodríguez obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras Campus. She works as an Organic Chemistry Laboratory Teacher Assistant since 2015 and currently is a General and Organic Chemistry Tutor. During her studies as an undergrad, she worked on a research at the Pharmacy School of the Medical Sciences Campus in a project title “Mechanical properties: Compaction behavior and physical characteristics of novel co-processed pharmaceutical excipients. In her last year as undergrad she did research working in the FDA San Juan District. As a PhD student she is working on the Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Ferrocenyl Cannabidiol Analogs and its interaction with b-Cyclodextrin. She loves to dance and is part of a Worship Dance Group since 2013 named Vocavit.[/full_width]
Undergraduate Research Assistants
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Antonio A. Bon Nieves – antonio.bon@upr.edu
Antonio is currently in his fourth year as an undergraduate studying Cellular Molecular Biology in the University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras Campus. He is currently working in the synthesis of isoxazoles using ferrocenyl chalcone derivatives as starting material, also the purification and characterization of the product. Being a member of the ACS, he enjoys assisting in voluntary activities such as the magic shows that motivate the audience to learn more about Chemistry applied to daily activities. His future goal is to attend a prestigious Medical School to become a doctor.[/full_width]
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Daisy Y. Díaz Rohena – daisy.diaz2@upr.edu
Effect of Counterions on the Biological Activity of Ferrocenyl Chalcone Salt Derivatives:
Daisy is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras Campus. She is most interested in drug development processes, from drug synthesis to clinical trials. As a fellow of PR-LSAMP, she works on the project “Effect of Counterions on the Biological Activity of Ferrocenyl Chalcone Salt Derivatives”, aiming to enhance their anticancer and antibacterial potential. During Summer 2018, she was part of the first cohort of Station1, a transformative experience in science and technology, working with Organs-on-Chip technology as an intern at Emulate, Inc. Daisy engages in extracurricular experiences that impact education and human health through science, as an active member of the American Chemical Society and a committed volunteer at Susan G. Komen Puerto Rico. In her spare time, she enjoys creating graphic designs, sharing ideas and helping others.[/full_width]
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Geraldo L. Duran Camacho – geraldo.duran1@upr.edu
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Second Generation of Ferrocenyl Chalcone Derivatives as Potential Anticancer and Antioxidant Candidates:
Is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras Campus. In Dr. Montes’ lab, he focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel ferrocenyl chalcones, containing heterocycle moieties. The aim is to synthesize a compound with anticancer and antioxidant activity. As an alumnus of the NIH MARC Program, he participated twice at the ABRCMS Conference, where he presented his research, as well as the ACS National Meeting and the ACS JTM/PRISM. As part of his research experience, Geraldo has participated in two Summer Research Programs, at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. After graduating, his goal is to go to Graduate School and achieve a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry.[/full_width]
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Sebastián Antonio Henríquez López – sebastian.henriquez1@upr.edu
Sebastián is an undergraduate Chemistry student at University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus. In the laboratory, he has worked on the synthesis, characterization and biological activities of Ferrocenyl stillbene salt derivatives. His current work is to prepare and characterize Ferrocenyl acetamido chalcone derivatives. Finding the best synthetic route and the most efficient purification method of these compounds, while still applying a green chemistry approach, is part of his work. He is a member of the UPR-RP baseball team and is also an active member of ACS UPR-RP Student Chapter and AMSA.[/full_width]
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José R. Hernández Meléndez – jose.hernandez80@upr.edu
José is currently an undergraduate Chemistry student at the University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras Campus (UPR-RP). His current research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel analogues of ferrocenyl curcumin derivatives. As part of his research project for MARC Program (Minority Access to Research Careers), he is focusing on the synthesis and characterization of ferrocenyl uracyl derivatives as potential antiviral agents. During his time at college, he has been part of different programs destined to help other students improve their academic performance such as tutoring and mentorships and is also an active member of the ACS (American Chemical Society) committed to the social impact of Chemistry. Apart from his interest in Chemistry, José’s interest in music has taken him to become part of the UPR-RP choir and the Philharmonic Choir of San Juan, participating in major musical events with the Symphonic Orchestra of Puerto Rico such as the Casals Festival. In the future, he plans to pursue graduate studies in order to obtain a PhD in Chemistry and one day be a college professor as well as to continue involved in musical organizations, maintaining his two passions active throughout his life.[/full_width]
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José F. Mercado Ortiz – jose.mercado25@upr.edu
Ferrocenyl Pentamidine Analogs as Potential Antimalarial Agents:
José F. Mercado Ortiz is from Caguas, Puerto Rico and is currently a rising Senior at the University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras Campus, where he majors in Chemistry. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Honor Studies Program at his home institution, as well as a MARC Fellow. As part of Dr. Ingrid Montes’ Research Lab, he works in the synthesis and characterization of analogs of pentamidine that incorporate the ferrocene moiety to study their potential application for treatment of malaria. His research interests include the development of synthetic organic chemistry processes and their application for the design of biologically active compounds. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry and spends his free time with friends, reading, and learning.[/full_width]
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Alondra S. Rodríguez Rolón – alondra.rodriguez019@gmail.com
Synthesis of alfa-branched heterocyclic ferrocenyl chalcones:
Alondra is an undergraduate student majoring in Chemistry at the University Puerto Rico – Río Piedras Campus. Currently, she is a member of the Maximizing Access to Research Careers Program (MARC), that helps students interested in Ph.D. to develop biomedical research projects. As part of this program she has participated of ABRCMS Conference and ACS Meeting. Her research project is based on the incorporation of heterocycles and electrodonating groups in the ferrocenyl chalcones to increase their biological potential. These compounds can be applied for malaria and cancer treatments. Her academic goals are to obtain a Ph.D. and work in the Pharmaceutical Industry. She loves to do community service and participate of interactive activities that apply science. As part of the Eco-Exploratorio and the American Chemical Society she is having the opportunity to do outreach and improve her skills. Also, she loves to go to the beach and dance.[/full_width]