Dr. Julie Wahlman
Dr. Julie Wahlman, assistant professor in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, heads the Wahlman lab, an organic chemistry research group that develops new chemical reactions using metal catalysts. They are specifically focused on improving and broadening the scope of one type of chemical reaction called cross-coupling. This reaction allows scientists to easily and reliably create complex molecules by stitching carbon atoms together. Traditionally, cross-coupling reactions rely on palladium as the metal catalyst, but the Wahlman Lab is exploring the use of earth-abundant metal catalysts like nickel, cobalt, and iron to make the process more efficient and capable of assembling complex structures.
Beyond developing new cross-coupling reactions, the Wahlman Lab is also applying their discoveries to prepare novel molecules. The team of research students recently synthesized licarin B, a naturally occurring compound found in nutmeg that has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. The students relied on their cross-coupling reaction to prepare licarin B, and are now designing new derivatives to see if they can enhance its medicinal effects.
Learn more about Dr. Julie Wahlman and her work.
