Brian V. Popp

Brian V. Popp is a Professor and Chair of the C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry at West Virginia University (WVU), affiliated with the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Rice University. His research focuses on organometallic chemistry, organoboron chemistry, catalysis, and computational chemistry, with an emphasis on sustainable chemical processes.

• Education: Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison; Postdoctoral Fellow, Rice University
• Leadership: Director/PI of NSF-funded REU Site in Chemistry (2018-2024)

Key research interests include developing catalytic methods for CO₂ activation, boracarboxylation reactions, and ambiphilic ligand design. His work bridges experimental and computational approaches, addressing challenges in organic synthesis and green chemistry.

Publications highlight advancements in vinyl arene functionalization, copper-catalyzed reactions, and iron-catalyzed hydromagnesiation. Recent work emphasizes sustainable applications, such as CO₂ utilization and medicinal chemistry analogs.

• Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2018), WVU Distinction in Mentoring (2022)

Teaching includes courses on organic/inorganic chemistry, organometallics, and spectroscopy. He advises undergraduate researchers through REU programs and co-authored a chapter on best practices for chemistry REU initiatives.

Labs/Teams: Popp Group (specializing in organometallic catalysis and sustainable chemistry).