Research

We develop catalytic systems and reaction platforms that can control reactivity and selectivity of abundant feedstock molecules, enabling the efficient synthesis of societally important nitrogen-containing compounds, including those central to human health, advanced materials, and sustainable technologies.
We focus on synthesis, catalysis, and mechanistic studies as the foundation of our mechanism-guided reaction design.

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Synthesis

We design and synthesize a wide variety of substrates and catalysts based on mechanistic hypotheses.

By systematically exploring structure–reactivity relationships, we drive the discovery and optimization of new reactions.

Catalysis

We explore new modes of catalysis through projects in both organocatalysis and transition-metal catalysis. Our goal is to uncover catalytic systems that offer high efficiency, selectivity, and practical utility in synthesis.

We employ spectroscopic and computational techniques to elucidate reaction mechanisms and key molecular interactions. These mechanistic insights inform the design of reactions and catalysts.