Jonathan Rittle

Professor Jonathan Rittle is a faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley, in the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on applying structural and spectroscopic methods to understand and enhance the reactivity of metalloenzymes and transition metal clusters, particularly in hydrocarbon activation and small-molecule reduction.

Education:

• B.S., Pennsylvania State University (2010), advised by Prof. Michael T. Green
• Ph.D., Chemistry, California Institute of Technology (2016), advised by Prof. Jonas C. Peters

Research Interests:
Dr. Rittle's group investigates polynuclear inorganic active sites in metalloenzymes, such as diiron enzymes that convert alkanes into alcohols or alkenes/alkynes. His work bridges synthetic chemistry, structural biology, and computational methods to design cluster compounds that mimic or improve upon biological systems. Key applications include CO₂ and N₂ reduction, as well as hydrogen atom manipulation for catalysis.

Scientific Awards:

• Herbert Newby McCoy Award (2016)
• NSF Predoctoral Fellowship (2011-2014)
• Caltech CEMI Predoctoral Fellowship (2014-2015)
• NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (2016-2018)

Current Role:
As a faculty member, Dr. Rittle leads the Rittle Lab, which operates across labs 831, 817, 816, 807, and 811 in Latimer Hall. His team explores modular ligand frameworks to stabilize transition metal clusters in multiple redox and protonation states, aiming to create selective synthetic catalysts and inspire therapeutic strategies.