Chemistry

Nyema is part of the Wiemer research group, which focuses primarily on organic syntheses and bio-organic chemistry. Nyema’s thesis project is to develop a new fluorescent prodrug to help examine the protein BTN3A1, which stimulates the activation of T-cells that are essential to fighting leukemia. Not much is yet understood about the interaction between the protein and T-cells, but Nyema is hopeful his fluorescent prodrug will help him to gain information on how certain cells interact with T-cell activating molecules. This research will provide a better understanding of the processes involved in T-cell activation, including when and where activation occurs. Hopefully, the results of Nyema’s work will help with the creation of better cancer therapeutics in the future.