R. Daniel Little

R. Daniel Little is a Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He previously served as department chair and has been at UCSB since completing his postdoctoral studies at Yale University. His academic journey began with a BS in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Wisconsin in Superior, followed by a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1974 under Howard Zimmerman.

• BS: Chemistry and Mathematics, University of Wisconsin at Superior
• PhD: University of Wisconsin-Madison (1974), advisor: Howard Zimmerman
• Postdoctoral: Yale University (with Jerry Berson)
• Visiting Professor: University of British Columbia, Beijing University of Technology, Regensburg University

Professor Little's research spans multiple dimensions of organic and electrochemistry, with particular emphasis on electron transfer processes, green electrochemistry, and redox-mediated synthesis. His work focuses on fundamental understanding of reactive intermediates in mediated electrocatalytic processes, development of recyclable polymer-bound redox mediators, and applications of quantum mechanical tools to understand redox chemistry. His group actively investigates the redox chemistry of fulvenes for ring system construction and metallocene co-catalyst synthesis, as well as cyclic peroxides chemistry.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on developing novel redox mediators, particularly triarylimidazoles and triarylamines, and applying them to challenging synthetic transformations. His work demonstrates strong integration of fundamental electrochemical principles with practical organic synthesis, often targeting greener, more sustainable chemical processes. The research shows particular strength in C-H functionalization, heterocycle synthesis, and development of reusable electrochemical systems.

• A.P. Sloan Fellow
• UCSB Plous Award recipient
• Elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• Senior Investigator, Center for the Sustainable Use of Renewable Feedstocks (CenSURF)
• Jaroslav Heyrovsky Prize for Molecular Electrochemistry (2015)
• Manuel M. Baizer Award (2022)

Professor Little has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral scholars who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His research has been supported by various funding sources focused on sustainable chemistry and electrochemical synthesis, including collaborations with Professor Bernardo Frontana-Uribe from UNAM in Mexico City and the Institute for Green Chemistry in Toluca. His laboratory maintains strong international connections and has hosted researchers from multiple countries.