New Approaches to Redox Catalysis

Molecular recognition at the lipid-water interface

Abstract: Our group applies the tools of organic synthesis to address fundamental questions of membrane chemistry and biophysics through the use of novel peptide and lipid structures at the lipid-water interface. We are in particular interested in how lipid membrane activation results in membrane fusion, and we are exploring this through the construction of synthetic membrane fusogens as well as the deconstruction of native fusogens such as the HIV-derived fusion peptide.

Adventures and Discoveries in Natural Product Synthesis

Cyclic peptides as tools to study the impact of conformation on membrane permeability

Catalytic Strategies for Transforming C-H Bonds, Carbon Dioxide, and Simple Olefins

Abstract: This seminar will describe the design of catalytic strategies for activating and functionalizing carbon-hydrogen bonds, carbon dioxide, and simple olefins. Specifically, we will discuss the scope and mechanism of a number of transition metal-catalyzed processes, including Rh-catalyzed hydroacylation, Ni-catalyzed carboxylation, and Pd-catalyzed oxidation. These methods transform relatively simple precursors into valuable organic products, including lactones, carboxylic acids, diols, and heterocycles.