Picture of alumni Madhurima Das who completed her MSc in Chemical Biology and Drug Design

Madhurima Das

Madhurima Das is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of New Orleans working on compounds that are widely used throughout medicinal chemistry.

Postgraduate life at Leeds

Madhurima chose to do a MSc in Chemical Biology and Drug Design because she wanted to engage in research and development in chemical sciences and contribute to the advancement of technologies to formulate new drugs. The University of Leeds was her preferred choice because “the university offers great infrastructure and the faculty are engaged in innovative research.”

MSc research project

Madhurima specialized in medicinal chemistry during her time at Leeds with a focus on the synthetic aspect of drug discovery. Her final research project involved the synthesis of Silver complexes derived from Clotrimazole which is a known antifungal compound. She said, “The best aspect of my course was the final research project. It helped me develop important skills in the laboratory that are needed to carry out independent research.”

“The objective of my research project was to synthesize novel Silver-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes derived from clotrimazole. These complexes were of interest as these could potentially have antiproliferative activities. However, my project was focused on the synthetic aspect of it. All synthesized complexes were characterized and analyzed for purity and their structures were confirmed using X-ray crystallography.”

The best aspect of my course was the final research project. It helped me develop important skills in the laboratory that are needed to carry out independent research

Building a career in research

Madhurima is currently enrolled in the University of New Orleans, USA as a doctoral candidate. She said “Studying at the University of Leeds has not only enhanced my knowledge in chemistry but also helped me develop a wide variety of skills like analytical thinking and using advanced chemical equipment. It also helped me to improve my communication and interpersonal behavioural skills. I always wanted to do original research and working as a doctorate student would help me develop the skills required to work in a research laboratory.”

Alumni Madhurima Das in her lab at the University of New Orleans

Studying at the University of Leeds has not only enhanced my knowledge in chemistry but also helped me develop a wide variety of skills like analytical thinking and using advanced chemical equipment. It also helped me to improve my communication and interpersonal behavioural skills.

She added “I am currently working on the synthesis of 3,3 diarylazetidines and developing new ways to functionalize them. These compounds are widely used throughout medicinal chemistry. Synthesis of these diaryl heterocyclic compounds, however, is highly involved and either takes multiple time-consuming steps or use expensive starting material. It was of interest, therefore, to explore a new methodology in which the diaryl heterocycles could be synthesized in fewer and easier steps. This project would ultimately lead to the development of new methodology for the synthesis of important precursors in medicinal chemistry.”

“For anyone thinking about joining this course, I would encourage you to do so. You will get the opportunity to work alongside innovative and dedicated faculty members and researchers which will help you develop skills required for the enhancement of your career.”