Brandon Haines

Brandon Haines is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Westmont College, specializing in computational chemistry with a focus on reaction mechanisms involving C-H functionalization. He earned his B.S. from Grand Valley State University (Michigan), Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, and completed postdoctoral research at Emory University. His research explores computational methods to study organic reaction pathways, particularly in catalytic systems and enzymatic processes.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Grand Valley State University
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry, University of Notre Dame
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Emory University

Research interests center on understanding molecular mechanisms through computational modeling, including transition metal-catalyzed reactions, enzyme dynamics (e.g., HMG-CoA reductase), and directed C-H functionalization. Recent work highlights studies on gold-catalyzed cyclooctyne isomerization, copper-mediated bromination selectivity, and zinc ligand effects in platinum reductive elimination.

Publications reflect a strong focus on mechanistic insights across organic and bioorganic chemistry, with notable contributions to Grignard photopolymerization and palladium-catalyzed enantioselective functionalization. His awards include research recognition at Notre Dame and teaching accolades in organic chemistry.