Chemical reaction
Jason S. Kingsbury, assistant professor of chemistry
Ph.D., Boston College
Specialization: Synthesis of molecules
Representative publication: “Ru Complexes Bearing Bidentate Carbenes: From
Innocent Curiosity to Uniquely Effective Catalysts for Olefin Metathesis,” Journal of
Organic Biomolecular Chemistry
The goal of my work is to design new methods for the chemical synthesis
of useful strained small molecules—including aziridines, cyclopropanones, cyclobutanones and
cyclopropane amino acids. Advances in this area will have meaningful downstream effects on society,
including cheaper medicines and materials as well as decreased pollution and resource expenditure.
From an educational standpoint, these projects are an ideal means for connecting students to the
importance of chemistry in the world around them.
I cannot express my excitement for what lies ahead. Completing
post-doctoral research and starting a career in academia could be seen as both an ending and a
beginning of sorts. In reality, it is only a continuation. You may call me a professor, but I will
still be a student. Effective teaching is the best way to learn, and I know that my students, both
undergraduate and graduate, have a lot to show me.