Assistant Professor of Chemistry Rongson Pongdee has been awarded a grant from the Petroleum Research Fund, administered by the American Chemical Society. The $65,000 grant is based on Pongdee’s proposal titled “Development and Mechanistic Studies of New Applications for the Mitsunobu Reaction.” 

The "Pongdee Research Group" (PRG) is involved in the design and development of architecturally-novel antibacterial and/or anticancer compounds. Within this context, the Mitsunobu reaction has played a central role in allowing the group to construct complex molecules for biological evaluation.

The grant will enable the PRG to continue exploring new applications for the Mitsunobu reaction. Funds from the grant will allow for the purchase of chemical reagents, equipment, and supplies, and will also provide stipends for at least six Sewanee undergraduate students to conduct research during the summer months.

Watch a video about the PRG and undergraduate research at Sewanee here.