PhD Chemistry
Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Notice:
GryphForms will be down from: May 2nd - 7th
Austin Pounder
Advice for Prospective Grad Students...
Undergraduate research opportunities come highly recommended as they offer individuals a direct glimpse into the world of research and academia, allowing them to evaluate their own inclinations towards this field. Pursuing a PhD is not a path suited for everyone. A fourth-year project can serve as a litmus test to determine if this path aligns with one's aspirations. If it doesn't, one can easily leave without further commitment. However, if it resonates, exploring the possibility of joining a research group that fosters a strong connection becomes crucial. While enjoying the research itself is important, equally important is finding enjoyment in the people one works with, particularly their principal investigator.
Program
Why did you choose to complete your graduate studies in your program at the University of Guelph?
While pursuing a BSc in Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Guelph, I undertook a fourth-year research project under the guidance of Dr. William Tam. This experience fostered a genuine passion for scientific exploration, inspiring my decision to join Dr. Tam's lab as a graduate student.
A bit about the work I am doing here...
My interest lies in the intersection of theory and experiment in the field of organic chemistry. In the laboratory, I focus on designing novel transition-metal catalyzed reactions that find applications in synthetic organic chemistry. When outside of the laboratory, as a computational chemist, I delve into the underlying mechanisms behind these reactions, aiming to comprehend their operational principles. By gaining a deeper understanding of the reactions I'm concurrently investigating in the lab, my ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of more efficient reactions in the future.
How will your work Improve Life?
In my experimental work, I have contributed to the development of several innovative chemical transformations. A particular area of emphasis for me has been the exploration of "atom economic" reactions, which prioritize efficiency by minimizing chemical waste, by-products, and the overall amount of chemicals required. Through computational analysis, I have gained valuable theoretical insights that have not only informed my own work but also have the potential to benefit fellow experimentalists. These insights can facilitate the development of enhanced catalysts and reagents contributing to the progress of the field of synthetic organic chemistry as a whole.
What do you plan to do after graduation? How has U of G helped you reach that goal?
Upon completing my academic journey, my aspiration is to pursue a post-doctoral position as a researcher, focusing on computational organic chemistry. This opportunity will enable me to delve deeper into the intricacies of the field and expand my knowledge base. Subsequently, I envision transitioning into the industry, with a particular interest in the pharmaceutical sector. It is my ultimate goal to contribute my skills and expertise towards advancements in drug discovery and development within the pharmaceutical industry.
Tell us something about you, beyond being a grad student...
Besides being a grad student, I like to be somewhat active. I try to routinely workout with others. I enjoy rock climbing inside and outside - recently went to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky to rock climb. I play on a volleyball team with other graduate students in the chemistry department. All around I just enjoy hanging out with my friends. Have done some traveling, and want to try to do more of that once I finally leave this place and make money, have been to a few places in Canada and Europe over my PhD.