Research
Our group will explore under-utilized concepts in organic, inorganic, and organometallic photochemistry to enable the development of new synthetic technologies. Along the way, we will leverage all available physical and analytical tools to study these unique photochemical phenomena to drive deeper understanding and innovation in catalyst design, structure, and function.
Small Molecule Functionalization
We intend to harness the selective generation of high-energy heteroatom-centered radicals to achieve selective C–H functionalization to convert commodity chemicals into high-value products. Additionally, we will engage molecular rearrangements and coupling reactions for the generation of molecular complexity.
Organocatalysis
We will utilize common organocatalytic modes to enable uncommon photochemistry in a catalytic sense, opening new avenues for light-driven redox catalysis. This will be applied to achieve regio-, chemo-, and stereo-selectivity in various chemical functionalizations, with an eye towards redefining the logic of organocatalytic functionalization.
Biofunctionalization
Taking inspiration from our organocatalytic reaction development program, we intend to leverage similar photochemical phenomena to drive derivatization of biomolecules. By leveraging reactive radical intermediates, we will achieve highly-selective functionalization in the functionality-rich environment of proteins and peptides.
Research Support
ACS Green Chemistry Institute Pharmaceutical Roundtable Ignition Grant
October 2023 – April 2024
This grant will support our development of radical amination reactions using biomimetic catalysis inspired by radical aminomutase enzymes.
ACS Petroleum Research Fund Doctoral New Investigator Grant
September 2023 – August 2025
This grant will support our work on the fundamental photochemistry of titanium complexes of alcohols, as well as their use for catalytic functionalization of light hydrocarbons and other petrochemicals.
Stony Brook Office of the Vice President for Research Seed Grant
April 2023 – April 2024
This grant supports our collaborative work with Prof. Barney Grubbs to develop catalytic approaches to alcohol derivatization via alkoxyl radicals for small, medium, and large molecule functionalization.
