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Process chemistry collaboration

July 23,  2001
Volume 79, Number 30
CENEAR 79 30 pp. 41
ISSN 0009-2347

The chemistry department at Texas A&M University, Kingsville, and Bristol-Myers Squibb have entered into a research collaboration that will focus on process chemistry of mutual interest. Bristol-Myers Squibb's R&D department will provide funding for research conducted by students in a master's program at the university starting this fall. The funding will partially support at least 10 graduate students and cover the cost of supplies, reagents, and equipment. The program--jointly directed by assistant chemistry professor Apurba Bhattacharya and John A. Grosso, associate director of process R&D at Bristol-Myers Squibb--will focus on the development of new chemical processes for the preparation of pharmaceutically useful compounds. "This type of joint program between academia and industry will definitely energize the chemistry program in the university and attract synthetic organic chemists to process chemistry," Bhattacharya says. Grosso adds that the program "aims to give students an opportunity to experience process chemistry in an academic setting, learn marketable skills, and provide industry with a well-trained, diversified pool of talent."

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Graduate Students Intern at Bristol-Meyers Squibb

James Ogle and Vikram Purohit, two graduate students in chemistry at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, have summer internships at Bristol-Meyers Squibb in New Jersey this summer.  Bristol-Meyers Squibb focuses on and works in cancer, cardiovascular and metabolics, pain management, neurosciences, dermatology, immunology and anti-infectives, pulmonary and urology.  

Ogle said Bristol-Meyers Squibb is a pharmaceutical company that accepts only five interns per year.  Two master's level, one Ph.D. candidate, and two post-doctoral chemists were hired this year, and Ogle and Purohit are the master's level student.

Ogle is staying in the dormitory at Rutgers University and will be working in process research and development on one of the new anti-AIDS compounds.

Purohit is staying at the Rutgers University Center, an accommodation provided by Bristol-Meyers Squibb, which is beside the New Brunswick train station.  Purohit said he is currently working with Dr. Atul Kotnis in the process research and development department, investigating a few new synthetic pathways towards a novel HIV drug under development.

"The atmosphere here at Bristol-Meyers Squibb is very cordial and the quality of work is exemplary. It fells very inspiring to be around experienced and highly professional chemists working to make medicines that will one day cure diseases that have mad mankind suffer for a long time," said Purohit.  "In short, this is the place to have real fun in the laboratory."

For more information about Texas A&M-Kingsville's summer interns call Dr. Apu Bhattacharya at 361-593-2664.

(Official TAMUK press release)

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