Juris Strautmanis

Juris Strautmanis is a Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). His academic focus bridges experimental organic chemistry with teaching, specializing in natural product synthesis and biochemical mechanisms.

His teaching portfolio includes core courses such as Organic Chemistry: Mechanism and Structure (covering stereochemistry and pericyclic reactions), Organic Synthesis (emphasizing carbon-carbon bond formation and asymmetric synthesis), and Organic Chemistry of Biological Compounds (studying biomolecules like amino acids and nucleic acids). He also oversees the Chemical Synthesis Laboratory, where students engage in multi-step organic synthesis, transition metal chemistry, and advanced spectroscopic characterization.

In addition to laboratory instruction, Strautmanis mentors students in the Dissertation Based on Literature Research course, guiding them through independent research projects in chemistry or biochemistry that result in oral presentations and written dissertations.

His research interests revolve around experimental organic synthesis, particularly natural products, and the integration of hands-on laboratory work with theoretical coursework to enhance student understanding of chemical principles.