Computationally Augmented Total Synthesis

The Department of Chemistry is pleased to welcome Professor Tim Newhouse from Yale University as a guest speaker for the Gilead Lecture. Hosted by Rob Batey, the seminar will take place in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and online attendance.

Abstract: Efficient syntheses of complex small molecules often involve speculative experimental approaches. The central challenge of such plans is that experimental evaluation of high-risk strategies is resource intensive, as it entails iterative attempts at unsuccessful strategies. This presentation describes a complementary strategy that combines creative human-generated synthetic plans with robust computational prediction of synthetic feasibility. Computational modeling, density functional theory, and machine learning can drive complex molecule synthesis.

Tim received his B.A. in Chemistry from Colby College (2005), where he was mentored by Prof. Dasan M. Thamattoor(Link is external) (Link opens in new window). After moving to La Jolla, CA, he completed his Ph.D. at The Scripps Research Institute with Prof. Phil S. Baran(Link is external) (Link opens in new window) (2010). During his time at Scripps, he also worked under Prof. Donna G. Blackmond.(Link is external) (Link opens in new window) He then returned to the east coast for postdoctoral studies with Prof. E.J. Corey(Link is external) (Link opens in new window) at Harvard. He started at Yale in 2013, where as of 2023 he is a Full Professor of Chemistry.

This seminar will take place in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and online attendance. The zoom link for virtual attendees will be shared in the "Upcoming Events" announcement for the week of Mar. 9-13.

If you are a student at UTM and UTSC and would be interested in attending this colloquium in person (travel expenses covered) and meeting our invited speaker, please send your request to chem.reception@utoronto.ca. 

Zoom Meeting Link: https://uoft.me/Newhouse
Zoom Meeting ID: 876 4409 4555
Passcode: Colloq2526

All are encouraged to attend!