Graham Murphy

Graham Murphy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo. He leads research on developing innovative fluorination methodologies and organic electrolytes for next-generation energy storage systems. His work focuses on hypervalent iodine reagents for halogen transfer and their applications in pharmaceuticals and battery technologies.

Education:

• PhD in Organic Synthesis, University of Alberta (2006)
• BSc in Chemistry, University of Victoria (2001)

Murphy's research explores organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and sustainable energy solutions. His group develops novel fluorination techniques using hypervalent iodine compounds for pharmaceutical applications and creates oxidatively stable organic electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries to enable large-scale energy storage systems.

His recent publications demonstrate extensive work in hypervalent iodine chemistry, fluorination methodologies, and catalytic processes. Research trends include developing metal-free reactions, isotopic labeling techniques, halogen bonding applications, and sustainable synthesis routes for complex molecules.

Awards:

• Early Researcher Award (Ontario, 2016)
• Thieme Chemistry Journal Award (2014)
• Multiple NSERC fellowships and graduate scholarships
• Teaching excellence awards including Chem Club Periodic Table Award (2014)

Murphy directs an active research group (Murphy Lab) developing solutions for pharmaceutical chemistry and energy storage challenges. His team collaborates internationally on catalysis projects and electrolyte design for next-generation batteries.