Seminar Details

The optimization of catalytic reactions for organic synthesis is difficult as the interplay between the ligand, reaction conditions, and substrates involved is a complex multidimensional problem. In other words, it is difficult to ascertain the pattern within the noise to offer a complete picture of how to optimize and/or interrupt why a certain set of conditions are required for a particular reaction. Therefore, we have aimed to develop several data science-based tools that assist the rapid analysis of structure function relationships to reveal the underlying reasons for improved performance of substrates and catalysts. Specifically, we have used new methods to develop descriptors for complex molecular architectures as well as data science methods to discern how these catalysts interact with a range of substrate types. This lecture will outline how we have put into practice a workflow that integrates data science tools, physical organic chemistry, and reaction optimization with a focus on new case studies in bio and organo-catalytic processes.

Biography: Matt Sigman was born in Los Angeles, California in 1970.  He received a B.S. in chemistry from Sonoma State University in 1992 before obtaining his Ph.D. at Washington State University with Professor Bruce Eaton in 1996 in organometallic chemistry. He then moved to Harvard University to complete an NIH funded postdoctoral stint with Professor Eric Jacobsen. In 1999, he joined the faculty of the University of Utah where his research group has focused on the development of new synthetic methodology with an underlying interest in reaction mechanism. His research integrates the study/development of new chemical reactions with the invention of new data science approaches to reaction interrogation. He currently is the Peter J. Christine S. Stang Presidential Endowed Chair of Chemistry at the rank of Distinguished Professor and is the department chair.

Sigman’s research efforts have been recognized by several awards including the Pfizer Award for Creativity in Organic Chemistry (2004), the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Award (2004), the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award (2010), the University of Utah Distinguished Research Award (2011) and ACS Award for Creative Work in Synthetic Organic Chemistry (2017). Additionally, he has been recognized for outstanding teaching at the University of Utah as highlighted by being named the University of Utah Distinguished Honors Professor (2008), the Robert W. Parry Award (2009) and Distinguished Teaching Award (2022).