Experience

Northwestern University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Postdoctoral Scholar

  • Apr 2019 - Present

  Research Summary: The synthesis and subsequent investigation of small, organic self-replicators in complex, interconnected networks containing multiple feedback loops.• Multi-step syntheses of molecules with specific functional groups as recognition sites and solubilising groups for application in the study of complex chemical networks and replication processes.• Using advanced 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy techniques and processing software to study the kinetics of the reactions and analyse the complex behaviour of these molecules.• Collaborating with colleagues who performed DFT calculations on my systems.Skills Obtained:• Semi-automatic deconvolution of NMR kinetic data using iNMR software and script files, subsequent data analysis using Microsoft Excel and publication-quality graphs created in DataGraph software.• Writing of manuscripts and research proposals, including writing up work done by previous group members.• Creating publication-quality figures using OmniGraffle software. • Learned the basics of kinetic simulations using the COPASI program.Other Responsibilities: • In charge of scheduling and chairing literature group meetings.



National University of Singapore

• Singapore
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• PHD Student

  • Jan 2015 - Apr 2019

  Research Summary: Developing novel “Frustrated Lewis Pairs” (FLPs) from non-metal Lewis acids and metal and non-metal Lewis bases for application in bond activation and catalysis.• In situ preparation of a new trityl derivative synthesised using common Brønsted acids for catalytic Diels Alder and hydrothiolation reactions.• Application of first-row transition metal complexes as Lewis bases, in cooperation with Lewis acidic boranes, for small molecule activation and catalysis. Optimised the activation of hydrogen and catalytic reduction of alkenes.Other responsibilities:• Safety lead: established strong safety culture in line with requirements. In charge of upkeep of safety equipment and records and liaised with NUS safety officers and communicated matters at group meetings.• Designated first-responder Fire Warden for our floor, having undergone relevant fire safety training. Carried out periodic fire safety inspections of whole floor.• Lab manager: maintaining equipment and delegating duties to other members, compiled chemical inventory and oversaw the relocation to new lab space, implemented safety and cleanliness protocols.

• Research Associate

  • Aug 2014 - Dec 2014

  As our research group was newly founded in 2014, I joined as a research assistant before starting my PhD to aid in the set-up of the laboratory and installation of equipment, as well as relocating the laboratory a few months later.• Started brand-new research projects using bare minimum equipment in unfurnished laboratory, teaching me to become very resourceful and to form important connections within the department, which also helped me integrate into the new culture more quickly and easily.• Organised laboratory equipment and glassware and compiled chemical inventory. Repeated this feat once lab relocation was complete.• Attended variety of training courses for safety to familiarise myself with strong safety culture adopted at NUS, and sessions dedicated to learning how to use department instrument facilities.