Chip Nataro

Chip Nataro is a Professor of Chemistry at Lafayette College, where he has been actively engaged in teaching and research since joining the faculty. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Iowa State University (1997) and a B.S. from Messiah College (1991). His research focuses on synthetic organometallic chemistry, particularly the synthesis and reactivity of transition metal complexes with bis(phosphino) metallocene ligands. He emphasizes the design of novel compounds as potential catalysts for pharmaceutical applications. Nataro’s work is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and the Petroleum Research Fund, and he has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2022 ACS Award for Research at an Undergraduate Institution and the 2017 E. Emmet Reid Award for Teaching.

His teaching philosophy prioritizes foundational knowledge and creative problem-solving, as seen in his senior Inorganic Chemistry course where students analyze research and propose extensions. Nataro’s lab facilities at Lafayette include advanced instrumentation like NMR and X-ray diffractometers, enabling undergraduate collaboration on cutting-edge projects. He is also a leader in the Interactive Online Network of Inorganic Chemists (IONiC), advocating for educational innovation and community-building in inorganic chemistry. Beyond academia, Nataro coaches Lafayette’s Club Baseball team and enjoys golf.

• Education: Ph.D., Iowa State University (1997); B.S., Messiah College (1991)
• Research Themes: Organometallic catalysis, ligand design, transition metal complexes, and undergraduate research mentorship.
• Grants: NSF (2016, 2011), Petroleum Research Fund (2005, 2002).

His scientific contributions are highlighted by over 50 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on gold(I) catalysis and educational initiatives like virtual laboratory development during the pandemic. Nataro’s mentorship has led to student successes, such as Sadie Wolfarth ’22 and Tash Miner ’22, who co-authored research and attended award ceremonies with him.