Vy M. Dong

Professor Vy M. Dong is a Chancellor's Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Irvine. She leads the Molecular Design and Synthesis Lab, focusing on catalysis, mechanism studies, and natural product synthesis. Her research has been recognized with awards including the ACS Corey Award and Cope Scholar Award. She holds a BS from UC Irvine, MS from UC Berkeley, and PhD from Caltech. Professor Dong is an editor for Organic Syntheses and Chemical Society Reviews.

Her lab emphasizes sustainable chemistry, developing atom-economical transformations using Rh- and Co-hydride catalysts. Current projects include designing ligands for cancer metabolism studies (Bowers Lab), carbon dioxide capture (Yang Lab), and collaborations with industry partners like Merck and Solvias. The lab is equipped with advanced instrumentation including GC/MS, chiral SFC, and high-pressure reactors.

Under her mentorship, students have secured roles in academia and pharmaceutical industries (e.g., Pfizer, Merck). Past advisees include Erin Kuker (Gilead), Xintong Hou (Vertex), and Bubwoong Kang (Kobe University). The team emphasizes inclusivity and equitable chemistry education, supported by NIH and NSF grants.