Saint Anselm student Timothy Cooke, of Hadley, receives chemistry research grant

MANCHESTER, NH (12/20/2013)(readMedia)-- Saint Anselm College senior Timothy Cooke of Hadley, Mass., was chosen to receive a research grant for his continued study of the synthesis of tetraethynyladamantane, a molecule with potential application as a polymer. A synthesis has already been proposed for this molecule, but it involves nine steps and only has an 11% yield.

Through the New Hampshire Idea Networking of Biomedical Research Excellence (NH-INBRE) grant, the chemistry major is using equipment at Saint Anselm College and Dartmouth College to conceive a process of synthesizing tetraethynyladamantane that produces more yield in less steps.

"My research largely involves carbonyl chemistry and incorporates selective oxidation and reduction reactions. I use techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Infra-Red (IR) spectroscopy to characterize the compounds I synthesize. So far our proposed synthesis of 1,3,5,7-tetraethynyladamantane is only five steps with a higher yield than 11%, but we are hoping to do even better."

Cooke has been conducting his research since summer 2013 where he worked through NH-INBRE in a program at Dartmouth College called the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (iSURF). Currently he works closely with Saint Anselm chemistry professor Dr. Carolyn Weinreb, whose research focuses on organic synthesis and methodology, molecular recognition, and the design and implementation of new undergraduate laboratory experiments.

"It has been extremely helpful to work so closely with Dr. Weinreb. It has helped me grow as a chemist because since she's just down the hallway and I check in with her almost daily, I can ask her questions and she can teach me useful techniques in a one-to-one setting. With this opportunity I have gained skills in experimental design, synthetic techniques, and characterization of molecules," says Cooke.

Cooke will spend the rest of senior year researching with Dr. Weinreb. He plans to attend graduate school after Saint Anselm.

"This experience has helped me decide that I want to go to graduate school for organic synthesis as opposed to medicinal chemistry like I was thinking before."

The INBRE grant is intended to strengthen biomedical research experiences for students at undergraduate colleges by partnering them with faculty who specialize in the field of the student's interest. Cooke was one of eleven Saint Anselm students awarded the INBRE grant.

Saint Anselm College is a Catholic, Benedictine liberal arts college located in Manchester, N.H.