Lecturers
Alexander P. Pulis
Since June 2015
Previous: PhD - University of Bristol, Prof. Varinder K. Aggarwal FRS; PD - University of Toronto, Prof. Douglas W. Stephan FRS
Publications: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, Accepted, DOI: 10.1002/anie.201706722; Chem. Sci. 2017, DOI: 10.1039/C7SC01968H; Nature Commun. 2017, 8, 14801; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 11912; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 9842; Chem. Commun. 2016, 52, 12364; Molecules 2015, 20, 11902; Chem. Commun. 2015, 51, 9797; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 4382; Chem. Commun. 2014, 50, 4053; .” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 16054; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 11795; .” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 7570
Biography: Alex was born in Newport, South Wales. He obtained his MSci with industrial experience from the University of Bristol in 2008. After gaining a University of Bristol Postgraduate Scholarship, he undertook his PhD within the group of Prof. Varinder K. Aggarwal where he investigated the lithiation-borylation reaction for stereoselective synthesis of tertiary boronic esters. He joined the group of Prof. Douglas W. Stephan at the University of Toronto as a postdoctoral fellow and worked on the development of air stable Frustrated Lewis Pairs and their application to the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide. Alex moved to the University of Manchester in 2015 to take a position as fixed term Lecturer in Organic Chemistry within the group of Prof. David J. Procter.
Since June 2015
Previous: PhD - University of Bristol, Prof. Varinder K. Aggarwal FRS; PD - University of Toronto, Prof. Douglas W. Stephan FRS
Publications: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, Accepted, DOI: 10.1002/anie.201706722; Chem. Sci. 2017, DOI: 10.1039/C7SC01968H; Nature Commun. 2017, 8, 14801; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 11912; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 9842; Chem. Commun. 2016, 52, 12364; Molecules 2015, 20, 11902; Chem. Commun. 2015, 51, 9797; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 4382; Chem. Commun. 2014, 50, 4053; .” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 16054; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 11795; .” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 7570
Biography: Alex was born in Newport, South Wales. He obtained his MSci with industrial experience from the University of Bristol in 2008. After gaining a University of Bristol Postgraduate Scholarship, he undertook his PhD within the group of Prof. Varinder K. Aggarwal where he investigated the lithiation-borylation reaction for stereoselective synthesis of tertiary boronic esters. He joined the group of Prof. Douglas W. Stephan at the University of Toronto as a postdoctoral fellow and worked on the development of air stable Frustrated Lewis Pairs and their application to the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide. Alex moved to the University of Manchester in 2015 to take a position as fixed term Lecturer in Organic Chemistry within the group of Prof. David J. Procter.
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Srimanta Manna
Since July 2017
Previous: PhD in Chemical Biology – Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology
Publications: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 5290, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 14845, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 8163, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 7324, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 9747, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 3355, Org. Lett. 2012, 14, 1736, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 12140
Awards: Max Planck fellowship for PhD studies and merit-cum-means scholarship.
Funding: EPSRC PDRA
Biography: I grew up at Shyampur, India. In 2012, I completed my master’s degree with Prof. Debabrata Maiti at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB). In 2013, I moved to the Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany, as a Max Planck fellow for my doctoral studies under the supervision of Dr. Andrey P. Antonchick (Prof. H. Waldmann's group). In 2017, I was appointed as an EPSRC-PDRA fellow in the Procter group. My current research interests lie in copper-catalysed asymmetric transformations for the synthesis of high value amine compounds. In my free time, I enjoy watching cricket, cooking, and travelling.
Since July 2017
Previous: PhD in Chemical Biology – Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology
Publications: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 5290, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 14845, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 8163, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 7324, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 9747, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 3355, Org. Lett. 2012, 14, 1736, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 12140
Awards: Max Planck fellowship for PhD studies and merit-cum-means scholarship.
Funding: EPSRC PDRA
Biography: I grew up at Shyampur, India. In 2012, I completed my master’s degree with Prof. Debabrata Maiti at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB). In 2013, I moved to the Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany, as a Max Planck fellow for my doctoral studies under the supervision of Dr. Andrey P. Antonchick (Prof. H. Waldmann's group). In 2017, I was appointed as an EPSRC-PDRA fellow in the Procter group. My current research interests lie in copper-catalysed asymmetric transformations for the synthesis of high value amine compounds. In my free time, I enjoy watching cricket, cooking, and travelling.
Tao Jia
Since April 2017
Previous: PhD - Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Sichuan, China.
Publications: Tetrahedron 2016, 72, 2042, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 13760, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 12134, Org. Lett. 2015, 17, 2420, Org. Lett. 2015, 17, 1070, Chem. -Eur. J. 2015, 21, 4918.
Awards: Chinese Academy of Sciences Dean Award (2016), National Scholarship for Graduate students of China (2015)
Funding: Newton International Fellowship
Biography: I grew up in Chengdu, China and I completed my undergraduate degree at the Sichuan University in 2009. Then I joined the R&D department of WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd as a research assistant. From 2010, I began my PhD degree in Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, under the supervision of Prof. Jian Liao. My PhD project focused on the copper-catalyzed asymmetric difunctionalization of olefins. After completing my PhD in 2016, I joined the Procter group as a NIF postdoctoral fellow. I am currently working on copper-catalyzed asymmetric cross-couplings. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, reading, traveling, and swimming.
Since April 2017
Previous: PhD - Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Sichuan, China.
Publications: Tetrahedron 2016, 72, 2042, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 13760, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 12134, Org. Lett. 2015, 17, 2420, Org. Lett. 2015, 17, 1070, Chem. -Eur. J. 2015, 21, 4918.
Awards: Chinese Academy of Sciences Dean Award (2016), National Scholarship for Graduate students of China (2015)
Funding: Newton International Fellowship
Biography: I grew up in Chengdu, China and I completed my undergraduate degree at the Sichuan University in 2009. Then I joined the R&D department of WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd as a research assistant. From 2010, I began my PhD degree in Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, under the supervision of Prof. Jian Liao. My PhD project focused on the copper-catalyzed asymmetric difunctionalization of olefins. After completing my PhD in 2016, I joined the Procter group as a NIF postdoctoral fellow. I am currently working on copper-catalyzed asymmetric cross-couplings. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, reading, traveling, and swimming.
Zhen He
Since November 2016
Previous: PhD - Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Publications: J. Org. Chem. 2017, 82, 1403, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 12803, Inorg. Chem. Front. 2016, 3, 1597, Chem. Commun. 2016, 52, 4613, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 855, J. Org. Chem. 2015, 80, 8424, Tetrahedron Lett. 2013, 54, 4167.
Awards: Sichuan University First Prize Scholarship (2015), Sichuan University Outstanding Student Award (2014), Sichuan University National Scholarship for Doctoral Students (2014), Sichuan University Second Prize Scholarship (2011)
Funding: EPSRC Postdoctoral Fellowship
Biography: I was born and grew up in Hai Nan, China and completed my undergraduate degree in Sichuan University, working in the Gao and You group on decarboxylation reactions and mechanochromic property studies of diketone functional materials. After completing my PhD in the same group, I joined the Procter group as a postdoctoral fellow. In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, music, hiking and playing basketball.
Since November 2016
Previous: PhD - Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Publications: J. Org. Chem. 2017, 82, 1403, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 12803, Inorg. Chem. Front. 2016, 3, 1597, Chem. Commun. 2016, 52, 4613, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 855, J. Org. Chem. 2015, 80, 8424, Tetrahedron Lett. 2013, 54, 4167.
Awards: Sichuan University First Prize Scholarship (2015), Sichuan University Outstanding Student Award (2014), Sichuan University National Scholarship for Doctoral Students (2014), Sichuan University Second Prize Scholarship (2011)
Funding: EPSRC Postdoctoral Fellowship
Biography: I was born and grew up in Hai Nan, China and completed my undergraduate degree in Sichuan University, working in the Gao and You group on decarboxylation reactions and mechanochromic property studies of diketone functional materials. After completing my PhD in the same group, I joined the Procter group as a postdoctoral fellow. In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, music, hiking and playing basketball.
PhD Students
Third Year
Miles Aukland
Since September 2014
Previous: MChem Chemistry with International Study - University of Manchester
Publications: Org. Biomol. Chem., 2016, 14, 5286, Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 9272.
Awards: RSC/SCI 3rd National Retrosynthetic Competition Finalist (2016), MChem Research Presentation Prize (2014)
Funding: EPSRC AstraZeneca Industrial CASE award
Biography: I grew up in North Wales and studied for my undergraduate degree here in Manchester, working in the Procter group on copper-catalysed conjugate additions for the synthesis of Pleuromutilin analogues. I then continued in the group to work towards my PhD. When not in the lab I enjoy being in the outdoors; cycling, hiking, travelling, and I'm a keen rugby fan.
Since September 2014
Previous: MChem Chemistry with International Study - University of Manchester
Publications: Org. Biomol. Chem., 2016, 14, 5286, Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 9272.
Awards: RSC/SCI 3rd National Retrosynthetic Competition Finalist (2016), MChem Research Presentation Prize (2014)
Funding: EPSRC AstraZeneca Industrial CASE award
Biography: I grew up in North Wales and studied for my undergraduate degree here in Manchester, working in the Procter group on copper-catalysed conjugate additions for the synthesis of Pleuromutilin analogues. I then continued in the group to work towards my PhD. When not in the lab I enjoy being in the outdoors; cycling, hiking, travelling, and I'm a keen rugby fan.
Huanming Huang
Since September 2014
Previous: MSc -
Publications: Org. Biomol. Chem. 2017, 15, 4159, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 1661, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 7770, Chem. -Eur. J. 2016, 22, 116.
Awards: North West RSC Organic Division Regional Meeting Poster Prize (2017), Manchester University Postgraduate Chemistry Conference Poster Prize (2016)
Funding: University of Manchester President's Scholarship
Biography: I was born and grew up in Hangzhou, China. In 2014, I received my Masters degree in chemistry from China working in the area of green chemistry. Funded by President's Scholarship from The University of Manchester, I moved to UK to start my PhD study in the group of Prof. David Procter, working on radical chemistry. In my spare time, I enjoy family time with my wife and also like watching TV, swimming and playing cards.
Since September 2014
Previous: MSc -
Publications: Org. Biomol. Chem. 2017, 15, 4159, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 1661, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 7770, Chem. -Eur. J. 2016, 22, 116.
Awards: North West RSC Organic Division Regional Meeting Poster Prize (2017), Manchester University Postgraduate Chemistry Conference Poster Prize (2016)
Funding: University of Manchester President's Scholarship
Biography: I was born and grew up in Hangzhou, China. In 2014, I received my Masters degree in chemistry from China working in the area of green chemistry. Funded by President's Scholarship from The University of Manchester, I moved to UK to start my PhD study in the group of Prof. David Procter, working on radical chemistry. In my spare time, I enjoy family time with my wife and also like watching TV, swimming and playing cards.
Mateusz Pleśniak
Since September 2014 - with Dr David Mills
Previous: MSc - Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
Publications: Nature Chem. Accepted, 2017, Chem. Commun. 2016, 52, 13503, Bioorg. Chem. 2017, 72, 80.
Awards: University of Manchester Postgraduate Conference Presentation Prize (2017),
RSC/SCI 3rd National Retrosynthetic Competition Finalist (2016), Silesian University Medal Omnium Studiosorum Optimo Award (2014)
Funding: EPSRC DTA
Biography: I studied for my bachelors degree in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry followed by a Master’s degree in Bioorganic Chemistry, both at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland. After completing my studies I carried out a 6-month internship in medicinal chemistry at F. Hoffman-La Roche in Basel, Switzerland. In 2014, I moved to Manchester to start a PhD degree on Samarium(II)-mediated radical cascades. When not in the lab I enjoy playing tennis, running, yoga and hiking.
Since September 2014 - with Dr David Mills
Previous: MSc - Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
Publications: Nature Chem. Accepted, 2017, Chem. Commun. 2016, 52, 13503, Bioorg. Chem. 2017, 72, 80.
Awards: University of Manchester Postgraduate Conference Presentation Prize (2017),
RSC/SCI 3rd National Retrosynthetic Competition Finalist (2016), Silesian University Medal Omnium Studiosorum Optimo Award (2014)
Funding: EPSRC DTA
Biography: I studied for my bachelors degree in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry followed by a Master’s degree in Bioorganic Chemistry, both at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland. After completing my studies I carried out a 6-month internship in medicinal chemistry at F. Hoffman-La Roche in Basel, Switzerland. In 2014, I moved to Manchester to start a PhD degree on Samarium(II)-mediated radical cascades. When not in the lab I enjoy playing tennis, running, yoga and hiking.
James Adams
Since September 2014 - with Dr Lydia Tabernero
Previous: MSCi Chemistry - The University of Nottingham
Publications: RSC Adv. 2016, 6, 16115, ACS Med. Chem. Lett. 2015, 6, 221, ACS Med. Chem. Lett. 2014, 5, 1207.
Awards: Sir Kenneth Murray Scholarship (2015), SCI Messel Scholarship (2015), Presidents Doctoral Scholar Award (2014), GSK Medal for outstanding work in medicinal chemistry (2013), BP Achievement Award (2012), Prof F.S. Kipping Scholarship (2011), GSK Scholarship (2010), Nottingham High Achievers Award (2009)
Funding: BBSRC DTP PhD Studentship
Biography: My passion for science began at Wolgarston High School; this focused during my undergraduate studies at The University of Nottingham. For my PhD I wanted to work on a project that could improve the lives of others. I am currently developing PTP inhibitors, which may be key to treating a plethora of diseases. Outside the lab my life revolves around my wife and family, coupled with any opportunity to travel.
Since September 2014 - with Dr Lydia Tabernero
Previous: MSCi Chemistry - The University of Nottingham
Publications: RSC Adv. 2016, 6, 16115, ACS Med. Chem. Lett. 2015, 6, 221, ACS Med. Chem. Lett. 2014, 5, 1207.
Awards: Sir Kenneth Murray Scholarship (2015), SCI Messel Scholarship (2015), Presidents Doctoral Scholar Award (2014), GSK Medal for outstanding work in medicinal chemistry (2013), BP Achievement Award (2012), Prof F.S. Kipping Scholarship (2011), GSK Scholarship (2010), Nottingham High Achievers Award (2009)
Funding: BBSRC DTP PhD Studentship
Biography: My passion for science began at Wolgarston High School; this focused during my undergraduate studies at The University of Nottingham. For my PhD I wanted to work on a project that could improve the lives of others. I am currently developing PTP inhibitors, which may be key to treating a plethora of diseases. Outside the lab my life revolves around my wife and family, coupled with any opportunity to travel.
Second Year
Monserrat Garduno Castro
Since September 2015
Previous: MSc - UNAM, México
Publications: Tetrahedron Lett. 2014, 55, 193.
Funding: CONACyT (Mexico)
Biography: I was born and raised in Mexico City and I obtained my undergraduate and master degrees working on the synthesis of novel acyclic chiral auxiliaries at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. In 2015 I moved to Manchester to do my PhD in the Procter Group on radical cyclisation cascades using SmI2. In my spare time I enjoy going to music concerts, listening to anything that sounds remotly like Interpol, The Beatles or Blur and travelling. I love spicy food.
Since September 2015
Previous: MSc - UNAM, México
Publications: Tetrahedron Lett. 2014, 55, 193.
Funding: CONACyT (Mexico)
Biography: I was born and raised in Mexico City and I obtained my undergraduate and master degrees working on the synthesis of novel acyclic chiral auxiliaries at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. In 2015 I moved to Manchester to do my PhD in the Procter Group on radical cyclisation cascades using SmI2. In my spare time I enjoy going to music concerts, listening to anything that sounds remotly like Interpol, The Beatles or Blur and travelling. I love spicy food.
Charlotte Morrill
Since September 2015 - with Prof. Nick Turner
Previous: MChem - University of Manchester
Publications: Tetrahedron, 2016, 72, 7691.
Funding: BBSRC studentship
Biography: I am originally from East Yorkshire and completed my undergraduate studies in Manchester. I joined the Procter group as a PhD researcher in 2015, working in conjunction with Prof. Nicholas Turner. In my free time I enjoy travelling, rock climbing and watching football.
Since September 2015 - with Prof. Nick Turner
Previous: MChem - University of Manchester
Publications: Tetrahedron, 2016, 72, 7691.
Funding: BBSRC studentship
Biography: I am originally from East Yorkshire and completed my undergraduate studies in Manchester. I joined the Procter group as a PhD researcher in 2015, working in conjunction with Prof. Nicholas Turner. In my free time I enjoy travelling, rock climbing and watching football.
Kay Yeung
Since September 2015
Previous: MChem with Industrial Experience - University of Manchester
Publications: Chem. Sci. 2017, 8, 5240-5247, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 11912. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 1102.
Awards: OMCOS19 Wiley-VCH Poster Award (2017), SCI Leverhulme Travel Bursary (2017), RSC Manchester & District Local Section Travel Bursary (2017), SCI PhD Scholarship (2016-2018), University of Manchester President's Doctoral Scholar Award (2015-2019), University of Manchester Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (2015), School of Chemistry Roger Grice Award for the Best Chemist in Fourth Year (2015), Manchester Success Scholarship (2011-2015), John Nugent University Scholarship (2011-2015)
Funding: EPSRC
Biography: I grew up and studied my degree in Manchester. During that time, I spent 12 months at AstraZeneca as a placement student. I joined the Procter research group in 2014 as a Masters student, then continued as a PhD student in 2015 working on asymmetric copper catalysis. In my free time, I love travelling, learning new languages, rock climbing and watching snooker.
Since September 2015
Previous: MChem with Industrial Experience - University of Manchester
Publications: Chem. Sci. 2017, 8, 5240-5247, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 11912. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 1102.
Awards: OMCOS19 Wiley-VCH Poster Award (2017), SCI Leverhulme Travel Bursary (2017), RSC Manchester & District Local Section Travel Bursary (2017), SCI PhD Scholarship (2016-2018), University of Manchester President's Doctoral Scholar Award (2015-2019), University of Manchester Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (2015), School of Chemistry Roger Grice Award for the Best Chemist in Fourth Year (2015), Manchester Success Scholarship (2011-2015), John Nugent University Scholarship (2011-2015)
Funding: EPSRC
Biography: I grew up and studied my degree in Manchester. During that time, I spent 12 months at AstraZeneca as a placement student. I joined the Procter research group in 2014 as a Masters student, then continued as a PhD student in 2015 working on asymmetric copper catalysis. In my free time, I love travelling, learning new languages, rock climbing and watching snooker.
First Year
Ilma Amalina
Since September 2016
Previous: MSc - Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
Publications: Procedia Chem. 2016, 18, 103.
Funding: Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP Scholarship)
Biography: I originally come from Surabaya, Indonesia. I did my undergraduate and master degree in Airlangga University. I then joined Procter group for my PhD. I enjoy spending time with friends and watching movies in my spare time.
Since September 2016
Previous: MSc - Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
Publications: Procedia Chem. 2016, 18, 103.
Funding: Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP Scholarship)
Biography: I originally come from Surabaya, Indonesia. I did my undergraduate and master degree in Airlangga University. I then joined Procter group for my PhD. I enjoy spending time with friends and watching movies in my spare time.
Mindaugas Šiaučiulis
Since September 2016
Previous: MSci - University of Nottingham
Publications: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016 138, 15798, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 10013.
Awards: University of Nottingham King's Medal for best Final year organic project (2016)
Funding: EPSRC & Eli Lilly
Biography: I grew up in Vilnius, Lithuania, and moved to Nottingham for my undergraduate degree. During the course of the undergraduate degree I worked on sulfoxide ligand coupling reactions during a summer project, and biocatalytic approaches to enantioselective synthesis of piperidines as my MSci project. In 2016 I joined the Procter group and am currently working on sulfur-mediated CH-functionalisation. Outside of the lab, I organise and run a weekly quiz and am an avid F1 fan.
Since September 2016
Previous: MSci - University of Nottingham
Publications: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016 138, 15798, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 10013.
Awards: University of Nottingham King's Medal for best Final year organic project (2016)
Funding: EPSRC & Eli Lilly
Biography: I grew up in Vilnius, Lithuania, and moved to Nottingham for my undergraduate degree. During the course of the undergraduate degree I worked on sulfoxide ligand coupling reactions during a summer project, and biocatalytic approaches to enantioselective synthesis of piperidines as my MSci project. In 2016 I joined the Procter group and am currently working on sulfur-mediated CH-functionalisation. Outside of the lab, I organise and run a weekly quiz and am an avid F1 fan.
Masters Students
|
Fabien Talbot
Since January 2017 Previous: MSc - University of Strasbourg, France Biography: I was born in the west part of France and started my undergraduate years in Angers. After an Erasmus at the University of Strathclyde, I came back to France for a master degree in Strasbourg. I am now doing my final project within the Procter group here in Manchester. I really enjoy travelling and languages. I play music and hang out with my friends during my free time. |