Freshman class

Catalytic converter

James P. Morken, professor, chemistry

Ph.D., Boston College

Specialization: Organic chemistry

Representative publication: “Concatenated Catalytic asymmetric Allene Diboration-Allylation-Functionalization,” Organic Letters

My research group works on the development of new catalysts for the manufacture of organic chemicals. Generally, our goals are to develop catalysts that are more efficient and cheaper than those that are already available. Additionally, we focus on the development of catalysts that enable the production of chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals, by new processes.

From a scientific standpoint, the problems that we address are intriguing, and from a personal standpoint it is gratifying to work on problems that may have an impact on real world issues.