Bio-Inspired Synthesis and Catalysis

Organic molecules play an integral role in human health and well-being. Their production is also intimately linked to the earth’s carbon cycle, and affects many of humanity’s most pressing challenges, including the changing climate. Improving the properties of existing chemicals, while also increasing the sustainability of their production is essential for the continued health of our planet.

We are an interdisciplinary team of chemists working to address these challenges. Our vision is a world where chemical production intersects harmoniously with a renewable carbon cycle to create functional molecules and materials with enhanced performance. This vision takes us to the interface of chemistry, biology and physics, where we explore some of life’s most interesting and mysterious chemical pathways. These include the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites that hold promise for the treatment of human disease, as well as macromolecular melanin pigments produced in our skin to shield us from UV-irradiation. Understanding how and why nature makes these molecules fuels our innovation to create new chemical pathways of equal efficiency.

Please visit our web site to learn more about our research, and to enquire about openings at the Ph.D., M.Sc. and post-doctoral levels.