Research
The Tekle-Smith group is interested in studying fundamental physical organic chemistry principles in the field of asymmetric synthesis. The goals of this program are to create enantiopure substances, harness the reactivity of unconventional chiral motifs, and grow the fundamental understanding of chiral structural effects. Research will be applied to pharmaceutical development, materials design, and sustainable synthetic method development.
Mechanism Design
We aim to design new mechanistic strategies that solve the most challenging problems in synthesis.
Catalyst Design
This research thrust is focused on the design, synthesis, and application of new catalysts that will enable site- and stero-selective transformations.
Structural Design
We aim to understand structure-reactivity relationships of chemical architectures at their most basic levels.
Route Design
We are using complex molecule synthesis as a vehicle for reaction selectivity prediction.