Connor Delaney

Connor Delaney is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Dallas, part of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He joined the faculty in August 2023 after completing a Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley.

Education:

• PhD in Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2020)
• BS in Chemistry, Northeastern University (2014)

His research focuses on organometallic chemistry and synthetic methodology, particularly in developing new methods for Csp3 bond formation and the synthesis of saturated heterocycles—key structural motifs in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The Delaney Lab emphasizes mechanistic understanding, training students in the synthesis of sensitive organometallic compounds and strategies for elucidating reaction pathways.

His recent publications in journals like Science and J. Am. Chem. Soc. reveal a strong focus on cross-coupling reactions, especially the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction, with deep mechanistic investigations into boronate pathways and alternative catalytic cycles. His work bridges fundamental organometallic principles with practical synthetic applications.

Scientific Awards:

• Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship (NIH F32), National Institutes of Health (2021)
• Denmark Group Kobayashi Student Mentorship Award (2019)
• J. C. Martin Memorial Student Travel Award, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2019)

Dr. Delaney advises a growing research group, including PhD students and a postdoctoral scholar, preparing them for careers in both industry and academia. His lab has secured independent funding to support its research program. The Delaney Lab, launched in August 2023, is actively investigating oxidative addition reactions, C–H activation, and base-free cross-coupling methodologies.

Research Lab:

• Delaney Lab at UT Dallas
• Focus: Organometallic Reactivity, Synthetic Methods, Reaction Mechanism