PhD defenses.

Using Exploratory LC-MS Metabolomics to Identify Carnivory-Related Molecular Changes in Drosera Capensis

Abstract: 

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an ever-advancing technique, capable of detecting small molecules at incredibly low concentrations, while gathering the information necessary to identify unknown molecules. I have used LC-MS/MS to identify unknown small molecules in Drosera capensis, or the Cape Sundew. I will present basic LC-MS/MS data collection theory and guidance, and discuss how we used a combination of LC-MS/MS, genomics, and transcriptomics to monitor the response of D. capensis to a variety of treatments.

An Approach Toward the Divergent Synthesis of Dihydro-β-Agarofuran Natural Product

Abstract: The Vanderwal group focuses on the total synthesis of bioactive natural products and the development of new methods to support complex synthetic endeavors. Motivated by the structural complexity and biological activity of the dihydro-β-agarofuran (DHBA) family, we aimed to develop an efficient route to access these natural products. Along the way, we established a new method for installing quaternary centers on arene substrates via a diastereoselective Birch reduction/alkylation, using (–)-8-phenylmenthol as an ester chiral auxiliary.

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