The James Research Group

Bradley Cooper

Email: bradley.cooper-2@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

I obtained a MChem in Chemistry with First Class Honors from the University of Liverpool in 2022. During this time, I carried out two research projects, one in 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Frédéric Blanc elucidating the structures of supramolecular assemblies using solid state NMR techniques. In 2021–22, I worked with Dr Ian O'Neil studying the diastereoselective N-oxidation of proline derivatives. For this work I won both the best MChem talk at the University of Liverpool in organic chemistry and the 2022 SCIPoster Competition. My current PhD research is focused on developing new transition-metal-free coupling reactions.

Jonathan da Luz

Email: jonathan.daluz@manchester.ac.uk

I was born in Cape Town, South Africa and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Cape Town where I found my love for Synthetic Organic Chemistry. I went on to pursue my MSc under the supervision of Dr Wade Petersen and in 2023 I was awarded the degree with distinction. My research involved using Photoredox Catalysis for the conversion of oximes to isoxazolines via a direct C(sp³)–H functionalisation strategy. I joined the James Group in 2023, my research is based on the development of transition-metal-free coupling reactions. When I am not in the lab, you will find me exploring the outdoors, playing football, or reading a book with a cup of rooibos.

Ethan Lim

Email: ethan.lim-2@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

I grew up in Singapore and obtained an MSci in Chemistry from University College London. Under the supervision of Prof Tom Sheppard and Dr Sahra St John-Campbell, my Masters' project focused on the synthesis and reactivity of palladacyclic intermediates in C–H functionalisation reactions. I joined the iCAT CDT in September 2022 and completed rotation projects in the Micklefield and James groups. My current research, co-supervised by Dr Michael James and Dr Cristina Trujillo, is focused on developing new transition-metal-free coupling reactions. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing chess and listening to classical music.

Tom Harris

Email: thomas.harris-5@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

I completed my MChem at St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford in 2023. During this time, I worked on my Part II project under the supervision of Professor Jonathan Burton. This project was focused on endocyclic allyl oxonium ions as model systems for biosynthetic intermediates for Laurencia natural products. My current research is focused on developing coupling reactions that are transition-metal-free. In my spare time I enjoy running, baking and looking after my houseplants.

Erin Moral-Foster

I am currently an undergraduate at the University of Manchester in the final year of my MChem course. For my masters project I am working to develop new synthetic methods based on nucleophilic aromatic substitution. My third year was spent doing an industrial placement with the company LGC limited, where I gained experience in an analytical laboratory. My work there involved stability testing and impurity quantification of reference standards. Apart from my studies, I enjoy spending time reading, playing boardgames, and going for walks.

Frazer Worthington

I am a 4^th year MChem undergraduate at the University of Manchester. During my third year, I worked as a resin research and development engineer for the Prysmian site in Wrexham, where I was involved in the development of new resin formulations for use in cable accessories, along with modifying the formulation of existing resin formulations to reduce costs and improve resin performance and sustainability. For my current project, I am looking to develop new nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and travelling the country.