Education: 2007-2009 Postdoc., Jean M. J. Fréchet Group, Department of Chemistry, UC-Berkeley, USA 2002-2007 Ph.D., Samuel H. Gellman Group, Department of Chemistry, UW-Madison, USA 1998-2002 Undergraduate, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and Tsinghua University Selected Recognitions: 2017 Chemical Society of Japan (CSJ) Lectureship 2016 Aldrich-Yale Lectureship 2016 Nanyang Research Award (Young Investigator) 2015 NRF Investigatorship Award 2013 Singapore Young Scientist Award 2012 Thieme Chemistry Journal Award 2012 NTU SPMS Teaching Excellence Award 2011, 2012, 2013 ACP Lectureship Awards 2010 GSK-EDB Award on Manufacturing 2009 Singapore NRF Fellowship 2008 Stereochemistry GRC Post Doctoral Award-Deed of Gift Award 2006, 2007 Abbott Laboratories Fellowship in Synthetic Organic Chemistry 2006 Vilas Fellowship (UW-Madison) 2006 McElvain Travel Award 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 UGC Hong Kong Jockey Club Fellowship for Outstanding Mainland Students 2002 Highest cumulative GPA award in Chemistry Department (HKBU GPAs during1999-2002) 2000-2002 University President’s Honor Roll Award 2001 Mr. Wong Kwok Shuen Memorial Scholarship 2000 Mr. Lui Ming Fong Memorial Scholarship The Chi laboratory is committed to the state-of-art original chemistry research that addresses problems of both fundamental and practical significance. A key objective is to develop green and efficient synthetic methods to make functional molecules, and to understand the principles guiding the bong breaking and formation events. We focus on the development of fundamentally novel basic catalytic activation modes with useful synthetic applications for the preparation of pharmaceuticals, agriculture chemicals, fine chemicals, and for efficient assembly and/or modification of polymers, biomolecules, and other functional molecules. Over the past years, we have developed new activation modes and synthetic transformations enabled by N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) as the key organic catalyst. Immediate applications of my lab’s new catalytic approaches include concise and green processes for bioactive molecules such as valuable non-natural amino acids and their derivatives. On the fundamental side, our research has created new understanding of chemical reactivities and new concept on catalytic activations. The lab has also taken serous efforts on collaborative development on bioactive molecules and functional materials, and applied research for innovation and entrepreneurship. Examples of the lab’s research include: --NHC organic catalyst-enabled activation of carboxylic esters, including activation of the inert beta-sp3-carbon of saturated esters. --Biomimetic single-electron-transfer (SET) radical reactions enabled by NHC catalysts. --Oxidative NHC catalysis and reaction controls of aldehydes, including remote-carbon functionalization. --Cooperative catalysis merging NHCs with other catalysts (such as transition metal catalysts, Lewis acid catalysts, and other organic catalysts). --Rapid synthesis functional molecules via new NHC catalysis, including ongoing studies for concise asymmetric total synthesis of complex natural products. --Multi-disciplinary collaborative research, and application-driven research for innovation and entrepreneurship The Chi group welcomes self-motivated, creative, and hard-working individuals in the following areas: --Priorities will be given to Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents --Synthetic Chemistry (particularly with experience in Natural Product synthesis), Electrochemistry; Polymer Materials; Physical Organic Chemistry --Individuals with Industrial Experience, Scale up and Process Development --Self-Financed Researchers and Students (Highly Motivated and Hard-Working) --Exceptional Individuals in other areas