Chemistry PhD Student Reuben Dass Wins First Prize in Three 3MT Competitions

Reuben Dass, a 3rd year PhD student in the BYU Chemistry program, has received the first prize for his 3-Minute Thesis not only at this year’s department-level 3MT competition, but took home first prize at the college level and university level as well. Dass’s research, entitled, “Synthesis and Optimization of Novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines With Selective Activity Against JAK1-JH2 and VPS4” focused on making highly selective kinase inhibitors that act as potential anticancer agents.

Dass’s extensive research involved screening groups of strategically modified molecules against cancer cells and selecting those with the best biological activity to undergo further evaluation. Part of this evaluation involved testing the molecules against a high number of kinases in a kinase screen in order to discover how their modifications had affected the kinase sensitivity and potency of the compounds.

Through this research, Dass’s team has been able to discover a high selective dual kinase inhibitor, named RD-I-53, that inhibits only two kinases by an average of 99.4%. These kinases are JAK1-JH2 and VPS34, and both are involved in the formation and development of drug resistance through autophagy in cancers. Dass’s further research will involve continuing to test and modify RD-I-53 in order to enhance its biological activity and make it eligible for clinical testing.

The competition was fierce, but Dass was ready for it, largely thanks to help with preparation from his wife Sarah. “I first heard about the 3MT competition in 2019. I attended the university-wide event and was amazed at the talent that was showcased. It's not easy to simplify abstruse or esoteric concepts to a level that even the most unknowing of individuals would understand and be able to critically process such information.” After seeing others’ research presentations, Dass made a goal to come back to the competition in 2020 as a presenter. Despite the nerves and the steep competition, Dass knew he had succeeded “when I could see my audiences' eyes light up as I was presenting. I knew then they understood the significance of my work and discovery. That was a personal victory.”

(Left to right) Dr. Jennifer Nielson, Dr. Gus Hart, Aaron Vaughn, Rebecca Viazzo, Elaura Gustafson, William Ludlam, Reuben Dass, Dr. Bryan Morse

Dass wasn’t the only BYU chemistry student to do well in the 3MT competition. Chemistry students Elaura Gustafson, Grant Ludlam, and Rebecca Viazzo also competed. At the college-level competition, Grant Ludham and Rebecca Viazzo received honorable mentions for their work, and Elaura Gustafson was awarded second place.

Dass’s research won’t stop with his first-prize win. After finishing his PhD at BYU Dass plans to continue his work in the pharmaceutical industry. “I have always been interested in cancer research,” said Dass. “My aim as a cancer researcher is to develop non-invasive, life-saving and affordable procedures and medication so that everyone will have a fighting chance against cancer and not lose so much of what life has to offer in the process.”