The Stoltz Group

If you are a Stoltz group alum and notice that your information is not up to date, please email [email protected].

Postdoctoral Alumni

Dr. Tomoko Ashizawa

Postdoc, Caltech, 2009-2010

Ph. D., Keio University, 2009
Prof. Tohru Yamada
"Catalytic atropo-Enantioselective Synthesis of Biaryl Compounds by Dynamic Kinetic Resolution"

M.S., Keio University, 2006
B.S., Keio University, 2004

Dr. Corinne Baumgartner

Postdoc, Caltech 2007-2008

Ph.D., ETH Zurich, 2007
Prof. François N. Diederich
"Strukturbasiertes Design und Synthese von Inhibitoren des Enzyms IspF als potentielle Antimalaria-Wirkstoffe"

Dipl. Natw. ETH Zurich, 2003

Dr. Trevor Butcher

Dr. Marchello Cavitt

Postdoc, Caltech 2016-2019

Ph.D. Georgia Institute of Technology, 2015 Prof. Stefan France,
"Stress Relief: Exercising Lewis Acid Catalysis for Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropane Ring-opening Annulations, A Basis for New Reaction Methodologies"

M.S. Chemistry, University of Michigan, 2009
B.S. Chemistry, University of Louisville, 2007

Dr. Jun Chiba

Postdoc, Caltech 2007-2008

Ph.D., Shizuoka University, 2007
M.S., Tohoku University, 1995
B.S., Tohoku University, 1993

Dr. Koji Chiyoda

Dr. Chris Cooze

Postdoc, Caltech 2022-2024

Ph.D., University of Alberta, 2022
Prof. Rylan Lundgren

Dr. Joshua Day

Postdoc, Caltech 2009-2011

Ph.D., Yale University, 2009
Prof. John Wood
"Progress Toward the Total Synthesis of Actinophyllic Acid"

M.S., Yale University
B.S., Colorado State University

Dr. Christian Defieber

Postdoc, Caltech 2007-2008

Ph.D., ETH, 2007
Prof. Eric Carreira
"Chiral Olefins as Novel Ligands in Asymmetric Synthesis and the Development of Water and Ammonia Equivalents in Iridium-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution"

Dr. Etienne Donckele

Postdoc, Caltech 2017

Ph.D. ETH Zurich, 2016 Prof. Dr. Francois Diederich,
"Macrocyclic and Acyclic Alleno-Acetylenic Scaffolds with Outstanding Chiroptical Properties and Expansion of the Chemical Space of Electron-Poor Alkenes for the [2+2] Cycloaddition-Retroelectrocyclization (CA-RE) and Related Reactions"

M.S. CPE Lyon, 2012
B.S. CPE Lyon 2010
Swiss National Science Foundation Fellowship

Dr. Christian Eidamshaus

Postdoc, Caltech 2012-2013

Ph.D., Freie Universität Berlin, 2011
Prof. Hans-Ulrich Reissig
"Synthesis of Highly Substituted Enantiopure Pyridines and of 4-Quinolones and their Applications in Asymmetric Catalysis"

M. Sc., Freie Universität Berlin, 2008
B. Sc., Freie Universität Berlin, 2006

Dr. Vinson Espejo

Ph.D., University of Utah, 2012
Prof. Jon D. Rainer
"The Total Syntheses of Kapakahines E and F: The Evolution of a Unique Reaction Upon Bromopyrroloindolines"

B. S., University of Missouri, 2007

Dr. Michele Gatti

Postdoc, Caltech 2011

Ph.D., University of Zurich, 2011
Prof. Reto Dorta
"New Catalysts and New Substrates in Ring Closing Metathesis"

M.S., Università degli Studi di Milano, 2007
B.S., Università degli Studi di Milano, 2004

Dr. Irina Geibel

Postdoc, Caltech 2018-2019

Ph.D., Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg 2017
Prof. Dr. Jens Christoffers

Dr. Steffen Gressies

Dr. Christian Grünanger

Ph.D., Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg, 2010
Prof. Bernhard Breit
"Development of a Covalent but Reversibly Bound Catalyst Directing Group for Regio- and Diastereoselective Hydroformylations"

Diploma, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg 2006

Dr. Xiaoqing Han

Visiting Postdoctoral Scholar from City of Hope, 2006-2009
Ph. D., Duke University, 2006
Prof. Ross A. Widenhoefer
"Transition Metal-Catalyzed Addition of Carbon, Oxygen, and Nitrogen Nucleophiles to Unactivated Olefins"

B.S., Peking University, Beijing, China, 1997

Dr. Andrew Harned

Postdoc, Caltech 2004-2007

Ph.D., University of Kansas 2004
B.S., Biochemistry, Virginia Tech 1999

Dr. Kohei Hayashida

Postdoc, Caltech 2017

Ph.D., Kitasato University, 2014
Prof. Fujii Hideaki
"Design and Synthesis of Selective Delta Opioid Receptor Agonists with an Oxazatricyclodecan structure and its SAR Studies"

M.S. Kitasato University, 2011
B.S. Kitasato University, 2009

Dr. Masaki Hayashi

Ph.D., Tohoku University, 2012
Prof. Yoshiharu Iwabuchi
"Development of highly active nitroxyl radical type oxidation catalysts and their application to oxidative conversions"

M.S. Kyushu University, 1999
B.S. Kyushu University, 1997

Dr. Christopher Henry

Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles, 2008
Prof. Ohyun Kwon
"Phosphine-catalysis of allenoates: mechanism, heterocycle synthesis, and asymmetric catalysis"

B.S., The College of William and Mary, 2003

Dr. Caleb Hethcox

Postdoc, Caltech 2016-2018

Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin, 2015
Prof. Stephen F. Martin
B.A. Chemistry, Auburn University, 2010

Dr. Kathrin Höferl-Prantz

Ph.D., University of Vienna, 2009
Prof. Johann Mulzer
"Decarboxylative Grob-type Fragmentations in the Synthesis of Trisubstituted (Z)-Olefins; Application to Epothilone B, Discodermolide and Peloruside A"

M.Sc., University of Vienna, 2005

Dr. Veronica Hubble

Postdoc, Caltech 2020-2023

Ph.D., University of Notre Dame, 2020 (with Prof. Christian Melander)
B.S., University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 2014

Dr. Kazato Inanaga

Ph.D., Tohoku University, 2005
Prof. Masataka Ihara
"Development of practical synthetic method of multi-substituted cyclobutane & cyclobutene and their application to natural product synthesis "

M.S., Nagoya University, 1999
B.S., Nagoya University, 1997

Dr. Thomas Jensen

Postdoc, Caltech, 2009-2010

Ph.D., The Danish Technical University, 2009
Prof. Robert Madsen
"Ruthenium- and Palladium-Catalyzed Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation in Natural Product Synthesis"

M.Sc., The Danish Technical University, 2006

Dr. Amanda Jones

Ph.D., University of Wisconsin - Madison, 2007
Prof. Hans J. Reich
"Rapid Injection NMR and Organolithium Reactivity"

A.B., Chemistry, Princeton University, 2001

Dr. Ryan Julian

Dr. Taichi Kano

Postdoc, Caltech, 2001-2002

Ph.D., Nagoya University 2001
M.S., Nagoya University 1998
B.S., Nagoya University 1996

Dr. Kotaro Kikushima

Postdoc, Caltech, 2010-2011

Ph.D., Osaka University, 2010
Prof. Toshikazu Hirao
"Studies on Development of Catalytic Oxidation Systems Based on Vanadium Redox Properties"

M. S., Osaka University, 2007
B. S., Osaka University, 2005

Dr. Jimin Kim

Postdoc, Caltech, 2010-2012

Ph.D., Princeton University, 2010
Prof. Erik Sorensen
"Development of the Interrupted Ugi Reaction and Its Application to the Synthesis of 11-Methoxy Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl"

M.S. Sungkyunkwan University, 2004
B.S. Sungkyunkwan University, 2002

Dr. Hendrik F. T. Klare

Postdoc, Caltech 2011-2012

Ph.D., Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 2011
Prof. Martin Oestreich
"Generation of Stabilized Silylium Ions for Catalysis"

Diploma, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 2007

Dr. Max Klatte

Postdoc, Caltech 2014-2016

Ph.D., University of Bonn, 2013
Prof. Andreas Gansäuer
"Stereoselective Radical Reductions"

Diploma, University of Bonn, 2010
"Silanes as H-Atom-Donors in the Titanocene-Catalysed Epoxide-Opening"

Dr. Shyam Krishnan

Postdoc, Caltech 2004-2007

Ph.D., Harvard University 2004
M.S., Harvard University 2002
M.Sc., Indian Inst. of Technology, Kanpur, India 1998
B.Sc., St. Stephen's College, Univ. of Delhi, Delhi, India 1996

Dr. Denis Kroeger

Postdoc, Caltech, 2017

Ph.D. Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg 2015, Dr. Jürgen Martens
"Conceptional Synthesis Strategies f-Heterocyclic Scaffolds via Multicomponent Reactions"

M.Sc., Chemistry, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg 2011
B.Sc., Chemistry, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg 2009
DFG Research Fellowship

Dr. Sebastian Lackner

Postdoc, Caltech, 2017-2019

Ph.D., Georg-August-University Göttingen, 2016
Prof. Lutz Ackermann

Dr. Guillaume Lapointe

Ph.D., University of Bern, 2011
Prof. Philippe Renaud
"Expanding the Limits of the Radical Carboazidation: Application to the Synthesis of Alkaloids"

M.S, University of Tokyo, 2007
B.S., Université de Sherbrooke, 2003

Dr. Gene Lee

Postdoc, Caltech 2004-2005

Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo 2004
M.S., California State University of Los Angeles 1998
B.S., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, 1994

Dr. Marc Liniger

Postdoc, Caltech, 2013-2014

Ph.D., ETH Zurich, 2013
Prof. Karl-Heinz Altmann
"Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Antitumor Natural Products and their Analogs: Rhizoxin WF-1360F and 5’-Deoxy L-783277"

M.Sc., University of Basel, 2009
B.Sc., University of Basel, 2007

Dr. Qi (Charles) Liu

Postdoc, Caltech, 2005-2007

Ph.D., University of California, San Diego, 2000-2005
B.S., University of Science and Technology of China, 1994-1999

Dr. Wen-Bo (Boger) Liu

Ph.D., Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2011
Prof. Li-Xin Dai and Prof. Shu-Li You
"The Application of Novel Nucleophiles and N-Aryl Phosphoramidite Ligands in Ir-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation Reactions"

B.S. Nankai University, 2006

Dr. Trevor Lohrey

Postdoctoral Scholar, Caltech, 2019-2022

Ph. D., UC Berkeley, 2019
Prof. John Arnold

B.A., Reed College, 2014

Dr. Alex N. Marziale

Ph.D., Technische Universität München, 2011
Prof. Wolfgang A. Herrmann
"Palladium Complexes for Cross-Coupling Reactions in Aqueous Media"

M.Sc., Technische Universität München, 2007
B.Sc., Technische Universität München, 2005

Dr. Andrew McClory

Postdoc, Caltech, 2007-2009

Ph.D., Stanford University, 2007
Prof. Barry M. Trost
"Ruthenium and Rhodium-Catalyzed Atom Economical Reactions"

B.Sc., Chemistry, Concordia University, 1999

Dr. Nolan T. McDougal

Postdoc, Caltech, 2008-2010

Ph.D., Boston University, 2008
Prof. Scott E. Schaus
"Asymmetric Phosphine-Mediated Condensation Reactions"

B.S., Vanderbilt University, 2001

Dr. Jared Moore

Postdoc, Caltech, 2014-2016

Ph.D. University of California, Davis, 2014
Prof. Jared Shaw
"The Synthesis of Heteroatom-Containing Polycycles, Modulators of FtsZ, Isotopically Labeled Homocitric Acid Lactone, and Progress Towards Kibdelomycin and Amycolamicin"

B.S. Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, 2009
Ruth L. Kirschstein NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. Vaishnavi Nair

Postdoc, Caltech 2022-2023

Ph.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2022 (with Prof. Uttam K. Tambar)
B.S.-M.S., Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, 2016

Dr. Primali Navaratne

James Boswell Postdoctoral Fellow, Caltech, 2019-2020

Ph.D. University of Florida, 2019
Prof. Alexander Grenning
"Multifunctionalization of Knoevenagel Adducts and Cannabinoid-Based Drug Discovery"

Dr. Kenji Negoro

Postdoc, Caltech 2013-2014

Ph.D., Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 2013
Prof. Yoshio Hayashi
“Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of GPR119 agonists”

M.S. Osaka University, 1998
B.S. Osaka University, 1996

Dr. Toyoki Nishimata

Postdoc, Caltech 2005-2007

Ph.D., Hokkaido University 1999
M.S., Hokkaido University 1994
B.S., Yokohama National University 1992

Dr. Yuji Nishiura

Dr. Zoltán Novák

Postdoc, Caltech 2004-2005

Ph.D., Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary 2004
M.Sc., Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary 1999

Dr. Yoshitaka (Yoshi) Numajiri

Postdoc, Caltech, 2012-2014

Ph.D., Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2009
Prof. Takashi Takahashi and Prof. Takayuki Doi
"Total Synthesis of Apratoxin A, Largazole and Their Derivatives and Application for Synthesis of Chemical Probes to Identify Their Target Protein Complex"

M.S., Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2006
B.S., Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2004

Dr. Noriko Okamoto

Ph.D., Hiroshima University, 2011
Prof. Kei Takeda
“One-Pot Synthesis of Indoles and Isoquinolines via Tandem Reaction"

M.S., Hiroshima University, 2006
B.S., Hiroshima University, 2004

Dr. Kim Petersen

Postdoc, Caltech 2009-2011

Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, 2009
Prof. Gary H. Posner
"Studies in Organic Synthesis: Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D₃ Analogs and Asymmetric, Organocatalytic, 3-Step synthesis of α-hydroxy-(E)-β-unsaturated Sulfones and Esters"

B.S., University of Wisconsin, 2000

Dr. John Phillips

Postdoc, Montgomery Group, University of Michigan, 2007-2010
Postdoc, Caltech 2006-2007
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison 2005
B.S., Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley 1997

Dr. Fabian Piller

Postdoc, Caltech 2010-2011

Ph.D. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich 2010
Prof. Paul Knochel
"LiCl-Mediated Direct Insertion of Magnesium Into Aryl, Heteroaryl and Benzylic Halides. Regio- and Chemoselective Synthesis of 5-Membered Ring Heterocycles."

M.Sc. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich 2006
B.Sc. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich 2004

Dr. Gerit Pototschnig

Postdoc, Caltech 2016-2018

Ph.D., Vienna University of Technology, 2016
Prof. Marko Mihovilovic

Dr. Alexander Rand

Postdoc, Caltech 2020-2022

Ph.D. University of Michigan, 2020
Prof. John Montgomery

Dr. Melissa Ramirez

Postdoc, Caltech 2021-2024

Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles 2021
B.S., University of Pennsylvania 2016

Dr. Yeeman K. Ramtohul

Postdoc, Caltech 2002-2004

Ph.D., University of Alberta, Canada 2002
B.Sc., University of Mauritius 1996

Dr. Daisuke Saito

Postdoc, Caltech 2015-2016

Ph.D. Showa University, 2009
Prof. Takashi Itho
"Development of Asymmetric Catalytic Reactions using Quaternary Ammonium Salts as Phase-Transfer Catalyst"

M.S. Showa University, 2006
B.S. Showa University, 2004

Dr. Stephen Sardini

Postdoc, Caltech 2020-2023

Ph.D., Indiana University, 2020
Prof. Kevin Brown
B.S., Ohio State University, 2012

Dr. Richmond Sarpong

Postdoc, Caltech 2000-2004

Ph.D., Princeton University 2000
B.S., Macalester College 1995

Dr. Govindasamy Sekar

Postdoc, Caltech 2003-2004

Postdoc, University of Göettingen, Germany 2002
Postdoc, Toyohashi University of Technology, Japan 2001
Research Associate, I.I.T., Kanpur, India 2000
Ph.D., I.I.T., Kanpur, India 1999
M.Sc., University of Madras, India 1995
B.Sc., University of Madras, India 1993

Dr. Jeff Servesko

Postdoc, Caltech 2006-2007

Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara 2006
B.S., Penn State University, 1997

Dr. Masaki Seto

Postdoc, Caltech 2006-2008

Ph.D., Tokyo University of Science
M.S., Tokyo Institute of Technology, 1994
B.S., Tokyo Institute of Technology, 1992

Dr. Grant Shibuya

Ph.D., University of California, Irvine
Prof. Chris Vanderwal
"Studies of the Chlorosulfolipids: Methodology and Synthesis"

B.S., Santa Clara University, 2005

Dr. Hideki Shimizu

Postdoc, Caltech 2010-2011

Ph.D., Kyushu University, 2004
Prof. Tsutomu Katsuki
"Ruthenium(salen)-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Desymmetrization of meso-Diols and Its Kinetics"

B.S., Kagoshima University, 1999

Dr. Russell Smith

Postdoc, Caltech 2010-2011

Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, 2010
Prof. Scott E. Denmark
"Preparative and Mechanistic Aspects of Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Alkali-Metal Arylsilanolates"

B.S., Illinois Wesleyan University, 2004

Dr. Jan Streuff

Ph.D., ULP Strasbourg, 2008
Prof. Dr. Kilian Muñiz
"Bifunctional N-H Activation and Oxidative Transition Metal Catalysed Diamination of Alkenes"

Diploma, Chemistry, Bonn University, 2005

Dr. Lars Suesse

Postdoc, Caltech 2020

Ph.D., TU Berlin, 2019
Prof. Martin Oestreich
M.S., TU Berlin, 2015
B.S., TU Berlin, 2013

Dr. Yuji Sumii

Postdoc, Caltech 2012-2013

Ph.D., Osaka University, 2011
Prof. Motomasa Kobayashi
"Synthetic Studies of cortistatin A, an Anti-angiogenic Steroidal Alkaloid from Marine Sponge"

M.S., Osaka University, 2008
B.S., Osaka University, 2006

Dr. Kousuke Tani

Postdoc, Caltech 2004-2006

Ph.D., Tokyo Institute of Technology 2004
M.S., Tokyo Inst. of Technology 1993
B.S., Tokyo Inst. of Technology 1991

Dr. Takeharu Toyoshima

Postdoc, Caltech 2011

Ph.D., Kyoto University 2011
Prof. Masahiro Murakami
"Synthesis of Oxindoles by Palladium Catalyzed Cyclization Reactions of 2-(Alkynyl)aryl Isocyanates with Nucleophiles"

M.S. Chiba University 2008
B.S. Chiba University 2006

Dr. Kristy Tran

Postdoc, Caltech 2009-2011

Ph.D., Columbia University, 2009
Prof. James L. Leighton
"Synthetic Applications of Silicon Lewis Acids: Total Synthesis of MS-153 and Manzacidin C"

B.S. University of Texas at Austin, 2004

Dr. Florian Vogt

Ph.D., Technical University Munich, 2010
Prof. Thorsten Bach
"Synthesis of New Ligands and Catalysts for a Hydrogen Bond Mediated Chirality Transfer"

M.Sc. Technical University Munich, 2006

Dr. Eric Welin

American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellow, Caltech, 2015-2019

Ph.D. Princeton University, 2015
Prof. David MacMillan
B.S. Chemistry, Ohio State University, 2010

Dr. Julian West

Postdoc, Caltech, 2017-2019

PhD, Princeton University, 2017
Prof. Erik Sorensen
Former Visiting Scholar, Stoltz Group

Dr. David White

Postdoc, Caltech 2005-2007

Ph.D., Harvard University 2005
B.S., Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 1999

Dr. Carolyn Woodroofe

Postdoc, Caltech 2004-2006

Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2004
B.A., Int. Science and Chemistry, Northwestern University 1998

Dr. Kun-Liang (Phil) Wu

Postdoc, Caltech, 2010-2012

Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara, 2010
Prof. Thomas R. R. Pettus
"Synthesis of γ-Rubromycin and Related Natural Products"

M.S., National Taiwan University, 2004
B.S., National Chung-Hsing University, 2002

Dr. Xiangyou Xing

Postdoc, Caltech, 2012+

Ph.D.,Peking University, 2012.
Prof. David Zhigang Wang and Prof. Zhen Yang
"Kinetic resolution by means of Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation reaction and total synthesis of Grassypeptolide A"

B.S. Taishan College, 2006.

Dr. Haiming Zhang

Postdoc, Caltech 2003-2005

Ph.D., Iowa State University 2003
M.S., University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) 1998
B.S., University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) 1996

Dr. Dianhu Zhu

Postdoc, Caltech, 2016-2017

Ph.D. Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, 2016, Prof. Qilong Shen and Prof. Long Lu
"The Development and Applications of Difluoromethylthiolating Reagents"

B.S. Chemistry, Shandong Agricultural University, 2010

Dr. Adam Zoll

Graduate Student Alumni

Dr. Eric Alexy

Ph.D., Caltech, 2020
NSF Predoctoral Fellow
B.S. North Carolina State University, 2015, Prof. Jonathan Lindsey

Dr. Kevin Allan

Thesis :: Development of Versatile Strategies for Aryne Annulation: Applications in Methodology and Natural Product Total Synthesis

Postdoc, Viresh Rawal, University of Chicago, 2010-2012 Ph.D. Caltech, 2010
B.S., University of California, Berkeley 2004

Dr. Zainab Al-Saihati

Ph.D. Caltech, 2020
Joint with Prof. Robert Grubbs
B.S. UT Austin, 2012, Prof. Kallie Willets

Dr. Eric Ashley

Thesis :: The First Total Synthesis of (-)-Lemonomycin

Postdoc, Jacobsen Group, Harvard, 2005-2009
Ph.D., Caltech 2005
A.B., Harvard University 2000

Dr. Shoshana Bachman

Dr. Kelvin Bates

Ph.D., Caltech, 2017
Joint with Prof. Paul Wennberg
B.S., Davidson College 2012 (with Dr. Charles Brock [NOAA] & Prof. Don Blake [UC Irvine])
NSF Predoctoral Fellow

Dr. Jeff Bagdanoff

Thesis :: Development and Application of the Oxidative Kinetic Resolution of Secondary Alcohols by Catalytic Palladium

Dr. Jay Barbor

Dr. Douglas Behenna

Thesis :: Progress toward the Synthesis of (+)-Zoanthenol and the Development of an Asymmetric Tsuji Allylation Reaction

Staff Scientist, Stoltz Group, 2010-2012
Postdoc, Elias J. Corey (Harvard), 2006-2010
Ph.D., Caltech 2006
B.A., University of Pennsylvania 2000

Dr. Nathan Bennett

Thesis :: Palladium-Catalyzed Allylic Alkylation: Insights, Application Toward Cyclopentanoid and Cycloheptanoid Molecules, and the Total Synthesis of Several Daucane Sesquiterpenes

Sydney Bottcher

Dr. Daniel Caspi

Thesis :: The Adaptive Nature of Palladium Reactivity in Synthesis

Dr. Tyler Casselman

Dr. Melinda Chan

Anthony Chen

Dr. Ruby Chen

Dr. Rob Craig

Ph.D., Caltech 2015
B.S., Davidson College 2010

Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Predoctoral Fellowship [F31]

Ernest Cruz

Dr. Alex Cusumano

Postdoc, University of California, Los Angeles 2023-2025 (with Prof. Abigail Doyle)
Ph.D., Caltech 2023
B.S., North Carolina State University 2018 (with Prof. Joshua Pierce)

Dr. Doug Duquette

Ph.D., Caltech 2016
B.A., M.A., Harvard University 2009 (with Prof. Dave Evans)
NSF Predoctoral Fellow

Dr. David Ebner

Thesis :: Development and Applications of the Palladium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols

Postdoc, Eric Sorensen (Princeton)
Ph.D., Caltech 2008
B.S., Chemistry, University of Saint Thomas 2002
B.A., Mathematics, University of Saint Thomas 2002

Dr. John Enquist

Thesis :: Total Synthesis of Cyanthiwigin Natural Products Via Double Asymmetric Catalytic Alkylation and Investigations into the Nature of Double Asymmetric Processes

Postdoc, John Wood
Ph.D., Caltech 2010
B.S., University of California, San Diego 2004

Dr. Eric Ferreira

Thesis :: The Design and Development of Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Transformations

Postdoc, Barry Trost (Stanford) 2005-2008
Ph.D., Caltech 2005
S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2000

Dr. Kali Flesch

Ph.D., Caltech 2025
B.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2019 (with Prof. Shannon Stahl)

Dr. Tyler Fulton

Ph.D., Caltech, 2022
B.S. & M.S., Chemistry, Bucknell University, 2016 (with Dr. Michael Krout)

Dr. Neil Garg

Thesis :: The Total Synthesis of Dragmacidins D and F

Postdoc, Overman (UC Irvine) 2005-2007
Ph.D., Caltech 2005
B.S., New York University 2000

Dr. Chris Gilmore

Thesis :: Aryne Annulation Reactions Toward the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Molecules

Dr. Alex Goldberg

Thesis :: Synthetic Applications and Methodological Developments of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes

Dr. Elizabeth Goldstein

Ph.D., Caltech, 2020
NSF Predoctoral Fellow
B.A. Coe College 2014, Prof. Mark Banaszak Holl (University of Michigan)

Dr. Kevin Gonzalez

Postdoc with Prof. Carolyn Bertozzi
Ph.D., Caltech, 2025
B.S., Rice University, 2020 (with Prof. Jeffrey Hartgerink)

Dr. Jonny Gordon

Thesis :: Applications of a Concise and General Strategy for the Syntheses of Transtaganolide and Basiliolide Natural Products

Blake Greene

Dr. Ben Gross

Dr. Christopher Haley

Ph.D., Caltech, 2015
B.S., Chemistry, New York University 2010
(with Prof. Dave Schuster)

Dr. Nick Hafeman

Dr. Seojung Han

Ph.D., Caltech, 2016
M.S., Chemistry, Sogang University 2010
B.S., Chemistry, Sogang University 2008
(with Prof. Duck-Hyung Lee)

Dr. Elliot Hicks

Dr. Jeff Holder

Thesis :: The Development of an Asymmetric Palladium-Catalyzed Conjugate Addition and its Application Toward the Total Syntheses of Taiwaniaquinoid Natural Products

Dr. Allen Hong

Thesis :: Development of a Novel Ring Contraction Strategy and Application to the Total Synthesis of Presilphiperfolanol Natural Products

Boram Hong

Dr. Carina Jette

Ph.D., Caltech, 2020
NSF Predoctoral Fellow
B.S. UC Santa Barbara 2015, Prof. Bruce Lipshutz

Dr. Christopher Kenseth

NSF AGS Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Washington, 2025, Prof. Joel A. Thornton
Ph.D., Caltech, 2022, co-advised by Prof. John H. Seinfeld and Prof. Paul O. Wennberg
B.S. Chemistry, University of Vermont 2015, Prof. Giuseppe A. Petrucci

Katerina Korch

M.S. Caltech 2015
B.S. Juniata College 2012

National Science Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship

Dr. Alexia Kim

Dr. Kelly Kim

Dr. Mike Krout

Thesis :: Progress Toward the Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Variecolin and Gas-Phase Studies of the Twisted Amide 2-Quinuclidone

Postdoc, David Y. Gin, (Sloan-Kettering), 2009-2012
Ph.D., Caltech 2009
B.S., Indiana University of Pennsylvania 2002

Dr. Chung Whan Lee

Ph.D., Caltech 2015
M.S. Seoul National University 2009
B.S. Seoul National University 2007

Dr. Jiaming Li

Ph.D. Caltech, 2020
Joint with Prof. Robert Grubbs
B.S. Zhejiang University, 2014, Prof. Ping Lu and Prof. Yanguang Wang

Dr. Yiyang Liu

Thesis :: Palladium-Catalyzed Decarboxylative and Decarbonylative Transformations in the Synthesis of Fine and Commodity Chemicals

Ph.D., Caltech, 2015
B.S., Peking University 2010

Resnick Sustainability Fellowship

Max Loewinger

M.A. Chemistry, Wesleyan University 2009
B.A. Chemistry, Wesleyan University 2008
B.A. American Studies (Literary and Cinematic Criticism), Wesleyan University 2008

Dr. Steven Loskot

Thesis :: Applications of the Enantioselective Allylic Alkylation Toward the Synthesis of Complex Natural Products

Dr. Sandy Ma

Progress Toward the Cortistatin A Carbocyclic Core and The Development of the Catalytic Enantioselective Alkylation of 3-Halooxindoles

Ph.D., Caltech 2010
B.S., Chemistry, Stanford University 2004
B.S., Biology, Stanford University 2004

Dr. Jeremy May

Thesis :: Tandem Reactions, Gas Phase Chemistry, and Natural Products

Postdoc, Samuel Danishefsky (Sloan-Kettering)
Ph.D., Caltech 2005
B.S., University of Utah 2000

Dr. Mike Meyer

Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Oxidation Reactions in Natural Product Synthesis: Efforts Toward Bielschowskysin and Phalarine

Dr. Ryan McFadden

Thesis :: Applications of Pd-Catalyzed Enantioselective Decarboxylative Alkylation in Natural Products Total Synthesis

Gilead Sciences 2007+

Dr. Farbod Moghadam

Dr. JT Mohr

Thesis :: Enantioselective Reactions of Palladium Enolates

Postdoc, Gregory Fu (MIT) 2009-2012
Ph.D., Caltech, 2009
A.B., Dartmouth College, 2003

Joel Monroy

Dr. Hosea M. Nelson

Thesis :: A Unified Synthetic approach to the Transtaganolide and Basiliolide Natural Products

Postdoc, Dean Toste (University of California, Berkeley), 2012-2015
Ph.D., Caltech, 2012
B.S., University of California, Berkeley 2004

Dr. Aurapat (Fa) Ngamnithiporn

Ph.D., Caltech, 2021
B.S., Carleton College 2015 (with Prof. Gretchen Hofmeister & Prof. David Alberg)

Dr. Nick O'Connor

Narae Park

M.S. Chemistry, Caltech, 2010
B.S., Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego 2005

Dr. Beau Pritchett

Ph.D., Caltech, 2017
B.S., Tulane University 2012 (with Prof. Scott Grayson and Prof. Vijay John)
NSF Predoctoral Fellow

Dr. Corey Reeves

Thesis :: Strategies for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Carbon Quaternary Centers via Transition Metal-Catalyzed Alkylation of Enolate Compounds

Dr. Chris Reimann

Ph.D. Caltech, 2020
B.S. University of Southern California, 2015 (with Prof. Nicos Petasis)

Dr. Samir Rezgui

Dr. Jenny Roizen

Thesis :: Progress Toward an Enantioselective Total Synthesis of Ineleganolide

Postdoc, Du Bois Group (Stanford) 2010-2013
Ph.D., Caltech 2010
B.A., Williams College 2003

Dr. Adrian Samkian

Dr. David Schumann

Ph.D. Caltech, 2020
B.S. University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2014 (with Prof. Shannon Stahl)

Brinton Seashore-Ludlow

Dr. Zachary Sercel

Dr. Kimberly Sharp

Dr. Nathaniel Sherden

Thesis :: Mechanistic Investigations into the Palladium Catalyzed Decarboxylative Allylic Alkylation of Ketone Enolates Using the PHOX Ligand Architecture

Postdoc, Prof. Sarah O'Connor
Ph.D., Caltech 2011
B.S., Chemistry, University of Chicago 2004
B.S., Computer Science, University of Chicago 2004

Dr. Sam Shockley

Ph.D., Caltech 2018
B.S., University of Chicago 2012 (with Prof. Richard Jordan)

Vlad Spasojevic

B.S., Chemistry, University of Minnesota 2005
B.S., Biochemistry, University of Minnesota 2005

Sarah Spessard

Dr. Ally Stanko

Ph.D., Caltech 2024
B.S., University of Rochester 2019 (with Prof. Alison Frontier)

Dr. Jenn Stockdill

Thesis :: Forays into the synthesis of zoanthenol: intriguing patterns in reactivity and selectivity

Postdoc, Samuel Danishefsky (Columbia), 2009-2012
Ph.D., Caltech 2008
B.S., Virginia Tech 2003

Dr. Christian Strong

Postdoc, Alexander Radosevich (MIT)
Ph.D., Caltech 2026
B.S., University of Texas at San Antonio 2021

Dr. Camila Suarez

Dr. Alexander Sun

Thesis :: Stereoselective Synthesis of Diazaheterocycles by Decarboxylative Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation

UCLA-Caltech MD/PhD Program 2012-2021
Ph.D. Caltech 2019
B.A., M.Sc., University of Pennsylvania 2012
Ruth L. Kirschstein NIH NRSA Predoctoral Fellow

Pam Tadross

Thesis :: Exploiting the Reactivity of Arynes in the Total Synthesis of Natural Products

Dr. Uttam Tambar

Thesis :: Convergent Methods for Synthesizing Rings in the Context of Natural Product Synthesis

Postdoc, Jim Leighton (Columbia), 2006-2009
Ph.D., Caltech 2005
A.B., Harvard University 2000

Marva Tariq

Dr. Raissa Trend

Thesis :: Concerning The Mechanism and Selectivity of Palladium(II) Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation Reactions

Postdoc, Horst Vogel (EPFL) 2006-2008
Ph.D., Caltech 2006
University of Wisconsin at Madison 2001
B.A., University of Chicago 1998

Dr. Matthew Winston

Dr. Austin Wright

Ph.D., Caltech, 2020
B.S., Penn State University, 2014 (with Prof. Steve Weinreb)

Dr. Hao Yu

Dr. Ryan Zeidan

Ph.D., Caltech, 2007, Davis Group
M.S., Caltech, 2004, Stoltz Group
S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2002

John Zepernick

Former Visiting Scholars

Jameel Ahmad

Jen Alleva

Mayuko Akita

Katsuaki Baba

Doohyun Baek

Visiting Scholar, 2017
PhD Candidate, GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)
(with Prof. Sukwon Hong)

Dr. Emma Baker-Tripp

Visiting Scholar, Caltech, 2019-2021
Postdoc, Caltech, 2018
Ph.D. UCLA, 2018 (with Prof. Neil Garg)

Igor Beckers

Magnus Bergner

Aaron Bosse

Maria Cano

M.S. University of Granada, 2008
(with Prof. Enrique J. Àlvarez-Manzaneda)
B.S. University of Granada 2007

Mathilde Chaudagne

National Graduate School of Chemistry and Engineering (ENSCCF), Clermont-Ferrand, France

Judith Cudaj

Martin Daiger

Caltech 2017

M.Sc. student, Prof. Paul Knochel Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen
B.Sc., Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, 2015

Ilaria Di Stefano

Visiting Scholar, Caltech 2026
Ph.D. student, University of Bologna, (with Prof. Walter Cabri)
M.S., University of Bologna, 2023
B.S., University of Torino, 2021

Dr. Ryohei Doi

Assistant Professor in the group of Professor Yoshihiro Sato
Laboratory of Fine Synthetic Chemistry
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University

Jiajun Du

Visiting Scholar, Stoltz Group, 2018
Graduate Student, Caltech
B.S. Zhejiang University 2017

Dr. Chad Eichman

Emil Glibstrup

Caltech 2016

PhD Student, University of Copenhagen, 3rd
(with Prof. Christian Marcus Pedersen)

Gennadii Grabovyi

Guillermo Guerrero-Vasquez

Yakup Gunes

Ph.D. Candidate, Ataturk University
(with Prof. Ramazan Altundas and Prof. Yavuz Taskesenligil)

Michael Hamm

Visiting Scholar, Caltech, 2024
M.S. Student, Universität Münster (w/ Prof. Armido Studer)

Satoshi Hashimoto

Ph.D. Candidate, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Yutaro Hatano

Visiting Scholar, Caltech, 2025
PhD Candidate, Tohoku University
B.S., Tohoku University, 2021

Stephan Hess

Visiting Scholar, 2017-2018
PhD Candidate, Prof. Dr. Alois Furstner Group, Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung
B.Sc., Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, 2015

Dr. Justin Hilf

Visiting Scholar, 2017-2020
Ph.D., UC Irvine, 2016, Professor Scott Rychnovsky
M.S. Chemistry, NYU, 2012
B.S. Chemistry, California State University-Channel Islands, 2009

Lukas Hilpert

Liam Hunt

B.S., University of Canterbury, 2019
Graduate Student, University of Auckland (with Prof. Margaret Brimble)

Takuya Igarashi

Caltech 2017

M.S., Osaka University 2016 (with Prof. Naoto Chatani)
B.S., Osaka University 2014 (with Prof. Mitsuru Akashi)

Marina Ilg

Kengo Inoue

Akihiko Iwashita

Dr. Toshihiko Iwayama

Visiting Scholar from Japan Tobacco, Inc. 2016-2018
Ph.D. Hokkaido University, 2010 Prof. Sato Yoshihiro

Thomas Jensen

Suhyun Ji

Visiting Scholar, Caltech 2026
Ph.D. student, Sogang University,
M.S., Sogang University 2023
B.S., Dongduk Women's University 2021

Woo-ok Jung

Maximilian Kaiser

Jun Kikuchi

Ph.D. Tohoku University, 2017, Prof. Masahiro Terada
Visiting Student, Stoltz Group, 2015
M.S. Tohoku University, 2014
B.S. Tohoku University, 2012

Natsuko Kinoshita

M.S., Nagoya University, 2011 (with Prof. Takashi Ooi)
B.S., Nagoya University, 2009

Dr. Yusuke Kita

Ph.D., Osaka University, 2010
Prof. Naoto Chatani, "Studies of Carbon-Cyano Bond Cleavage Reactions Using Rhodium Catalyst and Disilane"

M.S. Osaka University, 2008
B.S. Osaka University, 2006

Betul Kitir

Helene Kolding

Yuji Kosugi

Remi Lavernhe

Eric Lee

Visiting Scholar, 2024
B.S. Student, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology

Louise Lefoulon

National Graduate School of Chemistry and Engineering (ENSCCF), Clermont-Ferrand, France

Wengang Li

Yanhui Lu

Bin Mao

Smaranda Marinescu

Dr. Jeremy Morgan

Kei Murakami

Ph.D., Kyoto University, 2012
M.S., Kyoto University, 2009
Prof. Koichiro Oshima and Seijiro Matsubara
B.S., Kyoto University 2007

Hashiru Negishi

Nasri Nesnas, Ph.D.

Dr. Brendan O'Boyle

Visiting Scholar, Caltech, 2016-2021
Merck, Aspira Scientific, & Theravance Biopharma, 2009-2015
Ph.D. Stanford, 2009, Prof. Barry Trost

Kazuma Oda

B.S., Chemistry, Nagoya University, 2012
M.S., Chemistry, Nagoya University, 2014

Kasam Poonswat

Visiting Scholar, Caltech, 2024

B.S., Kasetsart University 2019
(with Prof. Nongpanga Jarussophon)

Namwan Panthaphol

Visiting Scholar, Caltech 2026
Ph.D. student, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute
B.S., Srinakharinwirot University, 2022
(with Dr. Poonsakdi Ploypradith)

Dr. Corey Reeves

Colin Regli

Visiting Scholar, Caltech, 2024
B.S., University of Zurich, 2022
(with Prof. Karl Gademann)

Dr. Kyung-Ho Roh

Visiting Scholar, Caltech, 2024
Associate Professor, University of Alabama in Huntsville

Dr. Tristin Rose

Visiting Scholar, Caltech, 2019-2021
EvoRx Technologies, 2017-2019
Ph.D. UCLA, 2015, Prof. Patrick Harran

Huijeong Ryu

Visiting Scholar, Caltech, 2024-2025
B.S., Pusan National University, 2016
Ph.D, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 2025

Yutaro Saito

Shunya Sakurai

Stoltz Lab 2018

Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science
Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

Shyam Sathyamoorthi

Yasutomo Segawa

Ph.D., University of Tokyo, 2009
M.S., University of Tokyo, 2007
B.S., University of Tokyo, 2005

Hirokazu Takada

Ph.D. Candidate, Kitasato University (Prof. Toshiaki Sunazuka)
M.S., Kitasato University, 2014 (Prof. Toshiaki Sunazuka)
B.S., Kitasato University, 2012

Alvaro Velasco-Rubio

PhD Student, Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)

Nina Vrielink

Mario Wiesenfeldt

Marco Wollenburg

Kevin Yang

Makoto Yoritate

Visiting Student, Caltech, 2017
Ph.D., Keio University, 2018 (with Prof. Noritaka Chida)
M.S., Keio University, 2015 (with Prof. Noritaka Chida)
B.S., Keio University, 2013

Dr. Donna Yu

Assistant Research Professor, City of Hope
Department of Diabetes Complications & Metabolism

Taiga Yurino

Former Undergraduate Students

Lucas Abounader

Anguel Alexiev

Hannah Rakel Ang

Jake Aquilina

Katherine Bay

Sanzhar Bissenali

Péter Bolgár

Aniya Buckland

Pradeep Bugga

Difei Chen

Annie Chin

Linda Chio

Carolyn Cohen

Tommaso Colombo

Isabel de la Torre Roehl

Ryan Dempsey

Timothy Dong

Emily Du

Nicholas Eddy

Benzi Estipona

Weida Feng

Gabriel Fernando de Melo

Kristin Finch

Leanne Fuentes-Ruiz

Kevin Gao

Emmett Goodman

Zoe Grogan

Angela Guerrero

Greg Han

Daood Hashmi

Elise Hastie

James Hegeman

Randie Kim

Yoobin Koh

Lulu Kwan

Masters Student, Chemistry, University College London
B.S., University College London

Eric Kwei

Tammy Lam

Netgie Laguerre

Dat Le

Aaron Levine

Samantha Levine

Benji Lin

Vicki Loewer

Galen Loram

Jacquie Malette

Andrew Marriott

Moriam Masha

Austin Moehle

Joel Monroy

Herschel Mukherjee

Emily Nikas

Winston Odom

Jaida Osman

Joshua Owen

Liz Park

Graduate Student, Stanford University (Du Bois Group)
Caltech WAVE Fellow, 2019
B.A., Chemistry, Rutgers, 2020

Diane Plummer

Sophia Razavi

Dr. David Romney

Postdoc, Arnold Group, Caltech, 2015-2019
Ph.D, Miller Group, Yale University, 2015
B.S., Chemistry, Caltech, 2009

Yuka Sakazaki

TC Scotton

Zachary Sercel

Hanna Shan

Jeff Shen

Amanda Silberstein

Postdoc, Professor Peter B. Dervan (Caltech) 2014-2015
Ph.D., UCLA (Professor Neil K. Garg) 2014

Neiman Sneed

Sasha Souverneva

Benji Thoma

Chris Tonge

Vi Tran

Georgijs Trenins

Brian Underwood

Kyle Virgil

Tyler Volkoff

Postdoc, Seoul National University 2015-2016, Konkuk University 2016-2019, LANL 2019-2022
Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley with Prof. K. Birgitta Whaley, 2014
B.S. Caltech 2009