Professor Justin Chalker is the Matthew Flinders Professor and Research Leader at Flinders University 's College of Science and Engineering, affiliated with the Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology. He works at the intersection of organic chemistry, chemical biology, and materials science , focusing on sustainable chemistry solutions for environmental and technological challenges. Education: B.S. in Chemistry and B.A. in History/Philosophy of Science (University of Pittsburgh, 2006); D.Phil. in Chemistry (University of Oxford, supervised by Benjamin Davis) Career: Assistant Professor at University of Tulsa (2012-2015); Lecturer (2015) and Senior Lecturer (2017-present) at Flinders University His lab develops chemical tools for biological system interrogation and novel materials like sulfur-based polymers for mercury remediation, recyclable composites, and zinc-ion battery cathodes. Current projects include inverse vulcanization, waste valorization, and environmental applications of sustainable chemistry. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for environmental protection and resource efficiency, particularly in material science (vulcanization, composite materials, polysulfides) and chemical biology (cysteine modification, protein chemistry). Key scientific recognitions: 2016 Tall Poppy Award, 2017 Dream Chemistry Award Finalist, Eureka Prize Finalist (2018), SA STEM Educator of the Year (2018), AMP Tomorrow Maker Award (2018) Prospective students can contact Dr. Chalker directly for Ph.D. and Honours opportunities. The lab website ( www.chalkerlab.com ) provides details on their research in sulfur chemistry, recyclable polymers, and chemical sustainability .
Prof. Dr. Armido Studer is a Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Münster (WWU Münster), Germany. He has been serving as a Full Professor (W3) since November 2009, following his appointment as a Full Professor (C4) in 2004. Studer also serves as the Spokesman of the International Research Training Group IRTG 2678 'Functional π-Systems: Activation, Interaction and Application (pi-Sys)' since 2021 and previously led the Collaborative Research Center SFB 858 'Synergetic Effects in Chemistry - From Additivity towards Cooperativity' from 2010 to 2021. Studer received his education at ETH Zürich, where he completed his diploma thesis and doctoral studies under Prof. Dr. D. Seebach. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Pittsburgh with Prof. Dr. D. P. Curran before returning to ETH Zürich for his habilitation. His academic career includes positions as Associate Professor at Philipps-Universität Marburg (2000-2004) and subsequent professorships at WWU Münster. Professor Studer's research focuses on radical chemistry, particularly in the development of new synthetic methods using radical intermediates. His work spans free radical chemistry, electron catalysis, and the application of nitroxides in organic synthesis. Recent research directions include 'Radical Chemistry with the Hydrogen Atom Through Water Activation (H-dot)' and 'The Electron as a Catalyst: e-cat', both funded by ERC Advanced Grants. His group has made significant contributions to C-H functionalization, skeletal editing of heterocycles, and cooperative catalysis involving photoredox and N-heterocyclic carbene systems. The research has applications in pharmaceutical chemistry, materials science, and sustainable chemical synthesis. Studer's publication record shows a strong focus on heterocyclic chemistry, radical reactions, and catalytic methodologies. His recent work demonstrates expertise in meta-selective functionalization of heteroarenes, skeletal editing techniques, and the development of novel radical cascade reactions. The group has published extensively in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, JACS, and Angewandte Chemie. Adolf-von-Baeyer-Denkmünze (2025) Arthur C. Cope Late Career Scholars Award of the American Chemical Society (2024) ERC Advanced Grants (2024, 2016) Multiple Highly Cited Researcher designations (2017-2022) Elected member of multiple academies (European Academy of Sciences, Academia Europaea, German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina) Pedler Award of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2019) Professor Studer has mentored over 100 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry worldwide. His research is supported by significant grants including multiple ERC Advanced Grants and funding from the German Research Council (DFG) for collaborative research centers. The Studer Group maintains numerous international collaborations, particularly with institutions in Japan, China, and the United States, reflecting his global impact in organic chemistry. The Studer Group operates state-of-the-art laboratories at the University of Münster, equipped for advanced organic synthesis, photochemistry, and materials characterization. The group is known for its collaborative culture and has been featured in numerous group photos documenting its evolution since the early 2000s, first at Philipps-Universität Marburg and then at WWU Münster.
Kay Severin is a full professor at the Laboratory of Supramolecular Chemistry (LCS) within École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , Switzerland. His research focuses on the design and reactivity of metal-ligand assemblies, including coordination cages, metalloligands, and supramolecular receptors. He has pioneered the use of metalloligands for constructing heterometallic architectures and developed systems for anion extraction and stimuli-responsive hydrogels. Key funder: Swiss National Science Foundation (FNS) Collaborative work with Rosario Scopelliti and Farzaneh Fadaei Tirani Research Interests: Severin's work spans supramolecular chemistry, organometallic synthesis, and functional materials. Recent projects include: Dynamic palladium-based hydrogels with anion-responsive crosslinks Gold(I)-driven nano-onion structures via π-stacking Triazene-derived ligands for Sandmeyer-type reactions Metalloligand assembly of Fe/Pd/Au heterotrimetallic cages Publication Trends: Over 300 publications since 1994, with recent emphasis on: Coordination-driven self-assembly (2024: 6 articles) Triazene and diazoolefin reactivity (2025: 4 articles) Metal-ligand interactions in nanogels and vesicles (2024-2025: 3 articles) Environmental applications in anion extraction (2025: 1 article)
Meredith Borden is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Trinity University, specializing in organic and polymer chemistry with a focus on sustainable materials. She holds a B.A. in Chemistry from Carleton College, a Ph.D. and M.A. from Princeton University, and completed postdoctoral research at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Her research bridges photocatalysis, polymer synthesis, and computational methods to develop eco-friendly polymers. She teaches Organic Chemistry and has garnered awards such as the 2022 Polymeric Materials Future Faculty Award and the 2017 Pickering Teaching Award. Her research group, The Borden Group, emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches using visible light to innovate polymer synthesis. Collaborative projects include modifying poly(caprolactone) degradation via C-H functionalization and exploring asymmetric ion-pairing in polymerization. Notable publications include work in Macromolecules , ACS Catalysis , and Nature Chemistry . Award recognition highlights her contributions to polymer science and teaching excellence. She actively mentors students, including the WinSPIRE program, and engages in professional development workshops to advance her academic career. Her work aims to address sustainability challenges through innovative chemical methodologies.
Michael Turner is a Professor of Materials Chemistry and Director of the Organic Materials Innovation Centre (OMIC) at the University of Manchester's School of Chemistry. He holds a Chair in Materials Chemistry and leads the Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry (KCMC), a virtual interdisciplinary research hub. His research focuses on synthesizing conjugated molecules for applications in organic electronics, including transistors, LEDs, sensors, and solar cells. He coordinates the EPSRC-funded Organic Materials for Electronics Consortium (OME-C), involving collaborations across multiple institutions. Education: Bachelor's and PhD from the University of Bristol (organometallic chemistry with Prof. Selby Knox). Postdoctoral work in the U.S. with Prof. Harry Allcock on polyphosphazenes, followed by research at the University of Sheffield on Fischer-Tropsch reactions under Prof. Peter Maitlis. Research Interests: Synthesis of conjugated liquid crystals and polymers, organic electronics, electro-optical devices, and nanoscale fabrication. His work addresses challenges in energy, environment, and material synthesis through novel polymer architectures and functional nanoparticles. Key Projects: Principal Investigator for KCMC, advancing applied materials chemistry and knowledge transfer. Leading projects on CRISPR-Cas technology integration into organic electronics and roadside breath analysis of narcotics. Contributions to neuromorphic computing via printed electronics and bioelectronics networks. Awards: Royal Society University Research Fellowship (1993). Grants & Collaborations: Coordinates EPSRC consortia and collaborates internationally on polymer synthesis, sensor systems, and bio-inspired materials. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly energy and environmental innovation. Labs & Teams: Directs OMIC and KCMC, fostering interdisciplinary research in organic materials, device fabrication, and nanotechnology applications.
Michael Schulz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). His research focuses on designing functional polymers to address challenges in medicine, environment, and energy. Key areas include antiviral materials, toxin capture, and rare-earth element chelation. He leads the Schulz Group , which emphasizes polymer synthesis and methodology development. Education: B.S. in Chemistry (University of Iowa, 2010), M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry (University of Florida, 2014). Postdoctoral training included work with Prof. Klaus Mullen (Max Planck Institute) and Prof. Robert Grubbs (Caltech). Research Interests: Functional polymer design for biomedical applications (e.g., drug sequestration), environmental remediation (e.g., metal binding), and advanced materials. His group explores structure-property relationships in polymers, leveraging tools like isothermal titration calorimetry and advanced polymerization techniques. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, including work on polymer-based drug capture, rare-earth element extraction, and antiviral materials. Recent trends focus on block copolymers , enzyme-responsive systems , and nanocomposites for biomedical and environmental applications. Awards: Fulbright Research Grant (2014), NSF East Asia-Pacific Fellowship (2013), Butler Polymer Research Award (2013). Labs: Active in polymer synthesis, materials characterization, and collaborative projects with industry partners. His lab develops architected materials via 3D printing and advanced lithography for targeted drug delivery and environmental sensing.
Dr. Alexander Yakimov is a Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry (LAC). He specializes in advanced spectroscopic techniques to study catalyst surfaces and reactive sites. His research focuses on Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy Transition Metal Surface Sites Zeolite and Titano-Silicate Catalysts Acid-Base Reactivity Descriptors CO2 Conversion and Hydrocarbon Processing using methods like X-Ray Absorption and high-field NMR. Recent work explores Ziegler-Natta catalysts, single-atom systems, and propane dehydrogenation mechanisms. He teaches the Practical Course General Chemistry (529-0011-04L/06L) and contributes to CO2 capture technologies. Contact: yakimov@inorg.chem.ethz.ch | ORCID: 0000-0002-8624-1002
Jeffery Wayne Baur is the Scott R. White Professor in Aerospace Engineering and holds affiliations with the Materials Research Lab and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois. His research focuses on advanced composite materials, additive manufacturing, and polymer chemistry. Key areas include frontal polymerization, carbon fiber reinforcement, and sustainable thermoset materials. Research interests span composite materials science, nanotechnology applications (e.g., carbon nanotubes), shape memory polymers, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with recent studies addressing autonomous composite shaping, chemical recycling of thermosets, and warpage mitigation in additively manufactured composites. Publications from 2024-2025 highlight innovations in material synthesis, recycling strategies, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Collaborations include projects funded by NASA for space-based manufacturing initiatives, as evidenced by a 2024 media feature. Baur’s affiliations with the Beckman Institute and Materials Research Lab position him at the forefront of cutting-edge research in materials science and engineering applications. His work bridges fundamental material science with practical industrial challenges, particularly in aerospace and sustainable manufacturing sectors.
Claudia Weidenthaler , now an Associate Professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen and group leader at the Max Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung , is renowned for her work in heterogeneous catalysis and materials science . Her research focuses on structure-property relationships of functional materials using in situ diffraction and X-ray spectroscopy . Studied geology, mineralogy, and crystallography at the University of Würzburg Completed her doctorate under Reinhard X. Fischer at the University of Mainz Postdoctoral work at the Universities of Bremen and Frankfurt Moved to Max Planck Institute in 1999, establishing solid-state analytics Her research spans mechanochemical synthesis , energy storage materials (e.g., aluminum hydrides), and solid-state transformations . Recent work includes CO2 hydrogenation , nanoparticle characterization , and metal phosphide synthesis . In 2023, she was honored with the Agricola Medal for her contributions to applied mineralogy. She actively promotes equal opportunities and science outreach as an Equal Opportunities Officer and coordinator of the institute's "Girls' Day" initiative. Advisees include PhD candidates Christos Sidiropoulos and Teja Yanamandram Recipient of the Agricola Medal (2023) Developed unconventional methods combining mechanosynthesis with synchrotron X-ray diffraction Her publications highlight in situ/operando methods for studying catalysts under real conditions, with applications in hydrogen storage , electrocatalysis , and nanomaterials .
Patrina Paraskevopoulou is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , where she has been affiliated since 2009. Her academic journey at the same institution includes roles as Lecturer (2009), Assistant Professor (2015), Associate Professor (2019), and Full Professor (2023). PhD in Inorganic Chemistry/Catalysis (2003, NKUA) MSc in Inorganic Chemistry/Catalysis (2000, NKUA) BSc in Chemistry (1998, NKUA) Her research spans three core areas: Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry : Transition metal clusters, redox-active ligands, and nanostructured materials Homogeneous Catalysis : Oxidation reactions, atom-transfer processes, and polymerization mechanisms Nanoporous Materials : Metal-doped aerogels for environmental, biomedical, and energy applications Recent publications highlight her work on: Alginate-based aerogels for nuclear waste removal Biopolymer aerogels for sustainable packaging Carbon aerogels for electrochemical energy storage Metathesis polymerization mechanisms Biomedical implant monitoring via ultrasound Scientific Recognition : CAS REGISTRY Innovator (2023) DAAD Research Stay Scholarship (2017-2018) Multiple Greek State Scholarships (academic excellence) She has supervised numerous PhD, MSc, and undergraduate theses while serving as Guest Editor for Polymers and Frontiers in Chemistry . Her laboratory has received funding exceeding €1,000,000 through national and European projects.
Paul G. Hayes is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge , where he leads the Hayes Research Group . His work focuses on organometallic and inorganic chemistry for catalysis, biodegradable materials, and actinide/lanthanide complexes. Education : B.Sc. (Honours) in Chemistry from Mount Allison University, Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Calgary, and NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley. Research Interests include: Synthesis of reactive inorganic molecules for chemical transformations and catalysis. Biodegradable/biocompatible materials using Mg, Ca, and Zn complexes. Lanthanide/actinide complexation with phosphazide ligands. Catalytic hydrocarbon functionalization via Rh and Ir complexes. His group employs high-vacuum techniques, X-ray crystallography, and spectroscopy (NMR, EPR, GPC) to characterize these systems. Recent Publications highlight advancements in rhodium-mediated heterocycle synthesis, cyclometalation suppression, and actinide-ligand interactions, spanning Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. , Dalton Trans. , and Organometallics . Key themes include ligand design, small-molecule activation, and green chemistry. Scientific Awards : Tier I Board of Governors Research Chair. NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship. NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship. Advising and Grants include mentoring over 20 graduate/undergraduate students and securing major funding from NSERC, Alberta Ingenuity, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. His lab’s Research Facilities include the Research Facility for Organometallic Chemistry and the New Science Building (Science Commons).
Prof. Dr. Siegfried Blechert is a Professor at the Institute of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, specializing in homogeneous catalysis, organic synthesis, and natural product synthesis. He is affiliated with the Organic Chemistry Research Group within Faculty II (Mathematics and Natural Sciences). His research focuses include catalyst development, alternating copolymerizations, and substrate synthesis, with contributions to UniCat (Cluster of Excellence for Unifying Systems in Catalysis). His work emphasizes sustainable chemistry and photocatalytic processes, as evidenced by publications in journals like Energy Technology and Angewandte Chemie International Edition. Blechert’s lab has developed novel catalysts for reactions such as hydroamination and ring-closing metathesis. He collaborates with institutions like the Fritz Haber Institute and leads projects on energy-efficient chemical processes. Research interests span the design of microporous polymer networks, light-driven reactions, and transition metal complexes. His team investigates catalysts for hydrogen evolution and C-C bond formation, with applications in green chemistry and renewable energy. Blechert’s work bridges fundamental catalytic mechanisms with industrial applications, including collaborations with companies like ORAFOL Europe and B. Braun Melsungen AG. He has contributed to initiatives like the Green Chemistry East network, promoting sustainable chemistry in Eastern Germany. His publications highlight advancements in organocatalysts, carbon nitride semiconductors, and metal-organic frameworks, reflecting a commitment to both academic and applied research. Blechert’s group is involved in training programs, such as the ChemClub and ChemKids, fostering interest in chemistry among students. Despite no explicitly listed awards, his contributions to catalysis research have been recognized through institutional collaborations and funding in sustainable chemistry.
Doug Stephan is a University Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto, affiliated with the Lash Miller Chemical Laboratories. His research focuses on inorganic main group and organometallic chemistry, with an emphasis on developing novel catalysts for industrial applications and fundamental chemical transformations. Key areas include low-valent transition metal complexes, hemilabile ligand systems, phosphorus-based materials, and frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) catalysis. Dr. Stephan collaborates with industry to advance catalytic processes for polymerization, hydrogenation, and metathesis reactions, supported by NSERC and industrial partnerships. His research explores C-H activation, P-H bond activation, and cyclometallation pathways to synthesize advanced materials. Recent work highlights FLP applications in hydrogenation, CO₂ activation, and C-F bond functionalization. While no awards or students are explicitly listed, his contributions bridge fundamental and applied chemistry, particularly in metal-free catalytic systems. Labs and teams: His work is conducted in the Lash Miller Chemical Laboratories, with a focus on synthesizing and characterizing novel organometallic compounds and catalytic systems.
Jonathan Barnes is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis and member of the Siteman Cancer Center. His research develops programmable polymeric materials with supramolecular properties for applications in biomedicine and nanotechnology. Education: Postdoc (MIT), PhD (Northwestern University), BS/MS (University of Kentucky). Research focuses on stimuli-responsive polymers, nanoparticle drug delivery, biomaterials, and topological polymers. The Barnes Lab combines synthetic organic chemistry with polymer and supramolecular chemistry to create 'smart' functional materials. Recent publications demonstrate advances in hydrogel actuators, photoredox catalysis, brush-arm star copolymers for drug delivery, and artificial molecular muscles. Awards include: Packard Fellowship (2017) ACS PMSE Young Investigator (2020) IUPAC-SOLVAY Award (2015) DOE Innovations Award (2013) Leads research on NIH and NSF grants. Holds patents for drug delivery agents and actuating materials. Directs a laboratory developing polymeric systems for cancer therapeutics and environmental applications.
Anna G. Wenzel is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the W. M. Keck Science Center, Claremont Colleges. She teaches advanced organic chemistry courses, including Chem81L (Medicinal Chemistry), Chem116L/Chem117L (Organic Chemistry), Chem123 (Advanced Organic Chemistry), Chem127 (Advanced Analytical Laboratory), and Chem177 (Biochemistry). Education: B.S. in Chemistry from UC San Diego, Ph.D./M.A. in Chemistry from Harvard University, and NIH Postdoctoral Scholar at Caltech. Her research focuses on asymmetric catalysis, organometallic chemistry, and organic synthesis. Key projects include the development of gold-catalyzed SN1-type reactions, copper(II)-catalyzed Michael-Aldol reactions, and studies on ruthenium and iridium complexes in metathesis. She explores green chemistry methods, such as biodegradable micelles for click chemistry and olefin metathesis in water. Recent publications highlight her work in olefin metathesis, asymmetric catalysis, and catalytic mechanisms. Though no specific awards are listed, her contributions span catalysis, polymer synthesis, and chemical education. She has collaborated on undergraduate laboratory experiments and authored significant works in journals like J. Am. Chem. Soc. , Synlett , and Molecules . Anna Wenzel's research integrates organometallic chemistry with practical applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and sustainable synthesis. She mentors students through course-based projects and publications but no formal advisees are explicitly listed. Her lab focuses on catalyst design and reaction dynamics, particularly in metathesis and asymmetric synthesis.
