Description:

Dr. Jeffery A. Byers
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Boston College

Topic: Controlling Selectivity and Activity in Transition Metal Catalysis Using Molecular Encapsulation and Redox-Switchable Catalysis

Abstract: Activity and selectivity in homogeneous, transition metal-based catalysis often depend on steric interactions between the substrate and the catalyst that are engineered through the careful design of ancillary ligands. In this talk, alternative methods to increase activity and alter selectivity are explored including the development of new methods for molecular encapsulation in metal organic frameworks and the development of a redox-switchable iron-based catalyst that has been used for the diversification of a biodegradable polymer.

Biography: Born and raised in Las Cruces, NM, Jeff graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis in 2000. After a short stint in the biomedical engineering industry, Jeff obtained his Ph. D. in Inorganic Chemistry in 2007 from the California Institute of Technology under the guidance of Prof. John E. Bercaw. He then completed his training with a postdoctoral position in Organic Chemistry in the laboratory of Prof. Timothy F. Jamison at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Jeff started his independent career at Boston College in the summer of 2011, where he is currently an Assistant Professor of Chemistry. In recognition for his research, his innovative teaching methods, and his dedication towards encouraging under-represented minorities to pursue STEM careers, Jeff was awarded an NSF CAREER Award and was recognized by the Research Corporation as a Cottrell Scholar.

Hosted by Dr. Joseph Hupp
Professor, Dept. of Chemistry
Northwestern University