Kyan D'Angelo

Kyan D'Angelo is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, starting August 15, 2025. His research focuses on developing novel synthetic methodologies and catalytic transformations to simplify the synthesis of complex molecules, particularly natural products with biological activity. He emphasizes training students as 'molecule makers' skilled in both synthetic strategy and execution.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2022)
• Postdoctoral Scholar, University of California, Berkeley (2022–2025)
• M.Sc. in Chemistry, University of Toronto (2015)
• B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toronto (2014)

Research Interests:

D'Angelo's group specializes in methodology development for strategic bond formations, total synthesis of complex natural products, and mechanistic studies to underpin reaction design. They integrate chemical biology principles to enable synthesis of bioactive molecule families for therapeutic exploration.

Awards:

• NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023)
• MIT Mentorship Spotlight Award (2021)
• MIT Outstanding Teaching Award (2017)
• NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (2017)

Advising & Recruitment:

Recruits PhD students, postdocs, and undergraduates interested in synthetic chemistry, catalysis, or main group chemistry. Emphasizes hands-on training in advanced synthetic techniques and problem-solving.

Labs & Teams:

Based in the Benkovic Building at PSU, the D'Angelo Group collaborates on projects spanning synthetic method development, catalytic innovation, and chemical biology applications.