Donna Blackmond

Professor Donna Blackmond holds dual roles as Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology at Imperial College London, where she also holds the Chair in Catalysis. Her affiliations include past positions such as Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Hull (1999-2003), Visiting roles at Harvard University (2002-03) and UC Berkeley (2003), and research leadership at the Max-Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung (1996-99). She earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University (1984) and a BS from the University of Pittsburgh (1980).

Her research focuses on catalytic organic reactions, particularly in asymmetric catalysis and pharmaceutical processes. Methodologically, her team employs reaction progress kinetic analysis—integrating in-situ reaction monitoring with kinetic modeling—to elucidate reaction mechanisms. Key areas include bridging chemical engineering principles with organic chemistry to understand complex catalytic systems.

Her work spans interdisciplinary boundaries, with contributions to medicinal chemistry and biomolecular systems. While specific grants or advising details are not detailed here, her extensive visiting scholar roles highlight collaborative networks across institutions.

Laboratory and team activities are central to her research, though specific lab names are not provided in the text.