Lisa Meseroll, PhD Student in Chemistry
Name: Lisa Meseroll
Degree Program: PhD, Chemistry
Graduating: 2010
Why I chose USP
USP is located in one of the best areas in the country for pharmaceutical and chemical industries. I wanted to be somewhere that I could remain with my family without having to relocate. Since I came to USP four years ago I have gotten married and had our baby boy. I wanted to begin a graduate program in an area like Philadelphia with great employment potential after graduation.
What I like best about my program
USP is a science concentrated institution. When doing research here you have the advantage of networking with other scientists for many related disciplines.
Current Research Interests
I have been working in Dr. McKee's research group for the past four years. We are preparing diaryl sulfones from their sulfonanilide precursors by various rearrangement techniques. These compounds show potential for use as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in the treatment of HIV. The studies began with acid catalyzed rearrangements which are the most studied and successful in the past. When rearrangements failed with our more complex heterocycles, we turned our efforts towards base catalyzed and themal methods. We are in the process of establishing microwave conditions as well. This should answer some questions surrounding why some rearrangements work and some fail under similar conditions as well as provide a means to easily access additional biologically active diaryl sulfones in the future.
How this program will help me professionally
I will be qualified for the jobs I am interested in.
Sarah Saylor, PhD Student in Chemistry
Name: Sarah Saylor
Degree Program: PhD, Chemistry
Graduating: 2010
Why I chose USP
I was here for my undergraduate degree in chemistry and I loved the people and decided to do my graduate degree here. I wanted to do my research with a professor that I worked with as well.
What I like best about my program
I love how the professors are here and available for me when I have questions about school.
Current Research Interests
I am working on my thesis research project entitled "Investigation of Hazardous Volatile Hydrocarbons in Commercial Beverages". This research has opened my eyes to the chemistry behind the commercial industry. It has also opened the opportunity to work with someone in the industry.
How this program will help me professionally
It will put me in a leadership position in an industry field. I hope to work in a government agency doing work related to my research.
