Chemistry seminar series title
Friday, March 7, 2025 10:30 am - 11:30 am EST (GMT -05:00)

Chemistry Seminar Series: André Isaacs

Making it Click: An Approach to N-Heterocycles and Inclusive Excellence

André Isaacs
Associate Professor, Chemistry Department
College of the Holy Cross

Friday, March 07, 2025
10:30 a.m.

C2-361 (reading room)

Abstract:

Dr. Isaacs’ research interest is centered on a very reliable organic reaction - the copper-catalyzed cycloaddition of sulfonyl azides and terminal alkynes (CuAAC). Differential fragmentation of the resulting 1,2,3-triazole generates ketenimines or rhodium carbenoids which he engages with a variety of nucleophiles to provide access to heterocycles of interest to the synthetic community. His talk will also focus on broadening participation in Chemistry through modern strategies that capitalize on the unique learning styles of the younger generation, with special attention to students from historically marginalized groups

Biography: A native of Jamaica, André moved to the US to attend the College of the Holy Cross where he received his B.A. in Chemistry in 2005. He received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011 (under the guidance of Professor Jeffery D. Winkler), where he focused on the design and synthesis of novel steroid-derived inhibitors of Hedgehog-signaling, based on the alkaloid cyclopamine. He worked as a post-doctoral researcher with Professor Richmond Sarpong at the University of California, Berkeley, where he focused on the synthesis of diterpenoids and the radiolabeled insecticide chlorantraniliprole. In 2012, Andre accepted a tenure-track position at the College of the Holy Cross. In 2018, Andre was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure. In addition to teaching courses in Organic Chemistry, Andre conducts research utilizing copper-mediated organic transformations. He is one of the co-founding members of Outfront - the college's LGBTQ faculty and staff alliance and serves as faculty advisor to several student groups including the Caribbean African Students' Assemblage, acapella group Fools on the Hill and Club Tennis. He uses his social media platform to challenge and dismantle the normative culture in STEM and to increase visibility of queer and BIPOC folks.

Andre Isaacs