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Name: José A. Carmona-Negrón
Summary: The aim of my doctoral project is to synthesize, characterize, and apply a series of novel metallocene complexes coupled to estrogen hormones for Estrogen Receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer treatment. The development of novel organometallic drugs is a growing area of interest that requires fundamental research of the organometallic complex, development of its synthetic methodology and its application to biological system as an interdisciplinary discipline. X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique has been employed efficiently to determine the structures, but also, to perform structural studies and rational-drug design of small molecules. Given the importance of the information provided by this technique to my doctoral project, training in the principles in collecting and processing small molecule X-ray diffraction crystallographic data was performed as part of my doctorate practicum at University of California, San Diego, CA. During my time at Center of Small Molecule Crystallography at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), under the guidance of the world-wide recognized crystallographer Dr. Arnold L. Rheingold, I had the opportunity to acquire experience in the analysis of structures of organic and inorganic compounds by single crystal X-ray diffraction. I successfully resolved, by the first time, a total nine crystal structures of organometallic complexes, including two different crystalline arrangement of one ferrocene complex. In addition, a new ruthenium complex crystalline arrangement not previously reported was found. It is estimated that the impact of the results obtained during the practicum will be enough to be reflected in a total of four scientific publications. Academic relevance: As a result of my participation in the Center of Small Molecule Crystallography at University of California, San Diego I was exposed to an academic environment of one of the highest impact nation universities. During this term I gained access to professional tutoring and mentoring in the XRD technique and was exposed to novel techniques and knowledge in the field of crystallography. In addition, two new UPRM chemistry research collaborations were created with the crystallography center. Special thanks: Part of such research experience was made possible thanks to the travel financial support ($500) from the program A. P. Sloan Foundation that seeks to stimulate fundamental research by early-career scientists and scholars of outstanding promise, and its representation Dr. Rodolfo Romañach. I also extend special thanks to: Dr. Enrique Meléndez, Dr. Mayra Cádiz, Dr. José Cortés and Dr. Robert Ríos for their mentoring contribution and collaborators in this project. |