Group photo, October 2023
Postgraduate Students
Bradley CooperI 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 LuzI 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 LimI 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 HarrisI 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. |
Undergraduate Students
Edward Caffyn-ParsonsI am in my 4th year of my MChem at the University of Manchester. I spent a year in industry at GSK Stevenage working in the medicinal chemistry department where I focused on the synthesis of novel small molecule drug compounds. This year for my MChem project I am investigating novel C–C coupling reactions. If I’m not thinking about chemistry, I’m probably trying out a new food place in Manchester or getting into a good non-fiction book. |
Visiting Students
Previous Group Members
Nantachai Inprung (PhD Student 2019–2023), returned to Thailand to work in industry after completing his DPST Scholarship from the Royal Thai Government.
Michaela Čierna (Visiting PhD Student 2023), returned to the Slovak University of Technology, Slovakia
Katherine Hooper (MChem 2022–2023), Graduate Scientist at AstraZeneca, UK.
Harry Meakin (MChem 2021–2022), Development Scientist at Croda, UK.
Adam Richardson (MChem 2021–2022), Teaching lab demonstrator at the University of York, UK.
Andrew Greener (MSc 2020–2022), PhD at the University of Nottingham, UK.
Patrycja Ubysz (MSc 2020–2022), PhD at the University of Manchester, UK.
George Smith (MChem 2020–2021), PhD at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
Will Owens-Ward (MChem 2020–2021), Discovery Scientist at Evotec, UK.