Freshman class

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.