Group Members

THE BOSS

Dr. L. was born in Birmingham, England which was the center of the Industrial Revolution. He was an undergraduate at the nearby University of Nottingham where he obtained a first-class honors degree in Chemistry. It was during this time he first became interested in alternative methods for making molecules. He did his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge Chemistry Department under the supervision of Professor Lord Lewis of Newnham and Dr. (now Professor) Paul Raithby. His work was focused around the use of photochemistry as a tool for the preparation of new organometallic complexes. He stayed at Cambridge as a University Research Fellow at Girton College. During this time he started working in the area of polymer-supported catalysis. In 1999 he moved to King's College London to take up a lectureship and a Royal Society University Research Fellowship. While there he initiated his program of research using microwave heating in synthetic chemistry. In 2003 he was awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry's Harrison Medal. He moved over the Atlantic in 2004 to his current position at the University of Connecticut

When not doing chemistry, Dr. L. enjoys cooking (perhaps that's why he likes microwaves), wine, Starbucks coffee, travelling, driving around in his green VW Beetle, modern civil aviation, and receiving mention in Chemical & Engineering News.

GRADUATE STUDENT GROUP MEMBERS

Johanna Bakonyi (Fall 2009-) graduated from Danbury High School in 2005. She received a B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Connecticut in 2009. She is currently working on a Master's in Organic Synthesis. Johanna enjoys hiking and being outside as well as listening to music.

Chad M. Kormos (2004-) is a graduate of East Lyme High School in Connecticut (Class of 2000). Chad has a B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in Medicinal Chemistry from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Class of 2004). Chad has interned at Pfizer in Groton (2002) and Abbott Bioresearch Center in Shrewsbury, MA (2003), where he was first introduced to microwave chemistry. He joined the group in 2004 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry. His research involves developing transition metal-catalyzed reactions under reactive gas atmosphere in pre-pressurized vessels. During the warmer months, Chad enjoys rock climbing and wake boarding (theoretically). During the colder months, he enjoys spending money on DVD movies and video games. Also, he has a cat named Spaz, who is very handsome. The only member of his immediate family not requiring corrective eyewear, Chad has, of course, chosen a profession requiring safety glasses.

Like Jason's compiled list of heterocycles (see below), Chad has also made something available for download. He has masterfully, if I may say so, executed an idea conceived by Matt while abroad in London. Are you interested in nerding up?

Sarah Hale (2008-) graduated from Colgate University in 2008 with a B.A. in Chemistry and History. She interned at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) from 2003-2006, where she did computer programming. At Colgate, her research focused on studying the formation of porphyrin-like macrocycles. In the Leadbeater group, Sarah will be continuing work on developing methodology for green chemistry and using in-situ monitoring to study reactions. Sarah Hale's from Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Jason Schmink (2006-) received his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in December of 2005. As a member of Dr. Leadbeater's group, Jason enjoys exploring new chemistries and methodologies in microwave-assisted organic synthesis as well as throwing crazy ideas at his lab-mates and boss. When not in the laboratory, Jason can be found decanting a fine cabernet, buffing his Ferrari, or visiting posh restaurants with his many supermodel girlfriends. Possibly, he is just asleep, however.

Jason has compiled a collection of heterocycles, available for download as a PDF here.

Lauren Stencel (2005-) graduated from Auburn High School in 2001. In May 2005, she received her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Most of her undergraduate research was done at the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center (ATMC) in Fall River, Ma, where she examined NO_x absorption and other environmental science topics. Between undergraduate and graduate school, she had an internship at Genzyme (Framingham, MA) where she worked on developing assays for disease prevention. She now attends the University of Connecticut and is pursuing a Ph.D. in biological chemistry. After joining Dr. Leadbeater's lab, she began working on a biodiesel project and an enzyme catalysis project.

Sergey Yermolayev (Fall 2009-) is a visiting researcher from Ukraine. He has received his master`s degree from Kharkiv National University in 2005. Currently he is pursuing a Ph. D. in organic chemistry at the Institute for Single Crystals in Kharkiv and, as a member of of Dr. Leadbeater's group, is doing his research in the framework of the Fulbright Faculty Development Program. His research is concerned with microwave-assisted synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and investigation of heterogeneous catalysis in organic synthesis.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT GROUP MEMBERS

Will Devine (2008-) is a graduate of Hamden High School (Class of 2005) and is currently working on his B.S. in Chemistry. When not blowing up large scale microwaves in the lab or working in one of the university’s dining halls, William likes to keep track of the Red Sox or Bruins, depending on the time of year. If not glued to a T.V. keeping track of Boston’s finest, one might find William in a local pub shooting pool or throwing darts.

Alex Dressler (2008- ) is a graduate of Newington High School (c/o 2006). He is currently pursuing his B.S. in Physiology and Neurobiology with a minor in Molecular and Cell Biology. He is involved with UConn Community Outreach as a trip director for the trip to NYC for AIDS/HIV. He is also the president of the UConn chapter of Operation Smile. Alex works with Lauren probing the effect of microwave irradiation on proteins using circular dichroism (CD).

Samantha Gibson (Spring 2009), a 2006 graduate from Trumbull High School, is currently pursuing a B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology and future plans include dental school. Currently, she is developing green methodologies employing clay as a Lewis acid replacement to catalyze organic transformations. When not busy with classwork or in the lab, Samantha enjoys yoga, scary movies, and well-brewed ales. Though a native of Connecticut, her family has relocated to a warmer climate, and now only gets to see her puppies, Bella (see pic, above) and Eddie, when returning home for break. Most of this is probably true as it was composed by Jason and Chad due to Sam's obstinance. Sam's favorite quote is not: "Its not called gym-nice-tics.".

Joe Podurgiel (Spring 2009-) is a graduate of Waterford High School in Connecticut. He is currently pursuing a BS in Chemical Engineering (Class of 2012), with the possibility of then attending medical or graduate school. His research involves developing the biofuel transesterification reaction and the like. When he is not in the lab, Joe likes to watch or play baseball (Red Sox), basketball (U-CONN HUSK-IES) golf (Tiger, who else?) and tennis (Nadal is overrated). Don't let his giant 6' 4" stature intimidate you; Joe enjoys long, meaningful conversations as well as moonlit walks on the beach and chick flicks (Hey! Who wrote that!?)

...OTHER MEMBERS

Arshad Mehmood (Fall 2009-)

Robert Polkowski (Summer 2009-)

Be Sure to Check Out Our Former Group Members!