Who We Are

The focus of our research effort is the development of new synthetic methodologies and their application to the total synthesis of complex organic molecules. The rational design and execution of a multistep synthetic scheme remains one of the most challenging areas of chemistry. It requires not only a ready knowledge of organic transformations and sophisticated laboratory technique, but also a fundamental understanding of many other areas of chemistry, ranging from modern theory and reaction mechanism to organometallic chemistry.

Our Research 

Currently members of the lab are pursuing total syntheses of select cytotoxic marine natural products: psymberin, cyclocinamide A, and the aciculitins. Other members are working toward synthesizing a model of the active site of Cytochrome c oxidase and development of new β-lactam methodology.

Department Facilities and Laboratory Equipment 

Our laboratory is located in the newly constructed Physical Sciences building on the University of California campus in Santa Cruz. We are nestled among the majestic redwood trees and have an enchanting view of them from the lab.

The department's extensive analytical equipment includes two 500 MHz NMRs, one 600 MHz NMR, multiple mass spectrometers, and a newly unveiled x-ray crystallography facility. In addition to all of that, in our lab are an Agilent 1100 HPLC, CEM Discovery 1 microwave, and an Innovative Technology PureSolv 400 solvent purification system.