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2018 SciFinder Future Leaders
CAS honors this year’s class of chemical information scholars
by Linda Wang
August 5, 2018
| A version of this story appeared in
Volume 96, Issue 32
SciFinder Future Leaders at a glance
Year program started: 2010
Number of participants to date: 171
Number of countries represented to date: 35
The 2018 SciFinder Future Leaders have been announced by CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, which publishes C&EN. This program offers Ph.D. students and postdocs from around the world the opportunity to learn about the chemical information industry and network with one another. Participants will visit CAS in Columbus, Ohio, as well as attend the fall ACS national meeting in Boston. CAS’s chemical information products include SciFinder, a chemistry research solution. Here’s a look at this year’s SciFinder Future Leaders (those presenting papers in Boston are marked with an asterisk):
Martine I. Abboud
Junior research fellow at the University of Oxford
Education: B.S., biology, minor in chemistry, Lebanese American University, 2013; Ph.D., chemical biology, University of Oxford, 2016
Research: Use of ligand- and protein-observed biophysical and biochemical methods to study the hypoxic response and antimicrobial resistance
Advice for others: “Curiosity is the driving force of a scientist. The most exciting discoveries arise from mistakes; troubleshoot and think critically all the time. It might feel hard sometimes, but keep going.”
Manuel Ahumada Escandon*
Postdoc at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Education: B.Sc., chemistry, University of Santiago, Chile, 2011; Ph.D., chemistry, University of Chile, 2016
Research: Development of safe biomaterials to treat disease
Career dreams: “Running my own lab and mentoring students, which I think is one of the most gratifying things in the sciences.”
Jennifer Apell*
Postdoc at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich
Education: B.S., 2008, and M.Eng., 2009, environmental engineering sciences, University of Florida; Ph.D., environmental chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2016
Research: Environmental fate of organic pollutants
Goals for program: “I am hoping to learn more about SciFinder to improve the efficiency of my own literature searches, as well as further develop my team building and leadership skills.”
Lučka Bibič
Graduate student at the University of East Anglia
Education: M.Pharm., University of Copenhagen, 2014
Research: Applications of spider venom toxins for the treatment of chronic pain
Scientific role model: “My inspiration comes from Maryam Mirzakhani, the only woman ever to win the Fields Medal, the highest honor in mathematics. Seeing someone who goes deep into the heart of the scientific matter with so much passion is inspiring and admirable.”
Dario Cambiè
Graduate student at Eindhoven University of Technology
Education: M.Sc., chemistry and pharmaceutical technologies, University of Milan, 2014
Research: Development of photon-efficient, luminescent-solar-concentrator-based photomicroreactors to enable green, sunlight-driven photoredox reactions
Career dreams: “Since I love research, I am still dreaming about an academic career. However, I am well aware of how difficult that can be nowadays, with an increasing number of Ph.D.s awarded and a decreasing number of tenure-track positions available. Yet despite all the complications, I wouldn’t forgive myself for not giving it my best shot!”
Gari V. Ccana-Ccapatinta
Graduate student at the University of São Paulo
Education: B.Sc., pharmacy and biochemistry, National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco, 2010; M.Sc., Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 2014
Research: Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based metabolomics as a tool for chemical characterization of commercial medical plants and chemotaxonomic studies
Goals for program: “This is a unique opportunity to know the structure, organization, and people behind the world’s most outstanding chemical database, SciFinder, a tool which accompanied me along the years of M.Sc. and Ph.D. studies and of course will continue to be a fundamental part of my scientific career.”
Chong-You Chen*
Graduate student at National Taiwan University
Education: B.S., 2011, and M.S., 2014, chemistry, National Chiao Tung University
Research: Surface chemistry in spatially controlling molecular environment via chemical lift-off lithography to manipulate biomolecule anchoring, nanoparticle alignment, and microdroplet formation for analytical platforms
Goals for program: “It’s exciting to learn more about SciFinder and to communicate with researchers from around the world. I hope to make new friends to expand my social circle for opportunities to establish future collaborations.”
Tristan Clemons
Postdoc at the University of Western Australia
Education: B.S., Bunbury Catholic College, 2004; Ph.D., nanotechnology, University of Western Australia, 2014
Research: Nanobased, multifunctional drug delivery systems for the aided delivery of therapeutics in cancer, heart disease, and wound healing following burns and central nervous system injuries.
Career dreams: “I am looking forward to one day leading my own research team where I can continue to pass on knowledge but more importantly support others to see and achieve some of the amazing opportunities I have been afforded through my early career so far as a scientist.”
Alexander Cook
Postdoc at the Italian Institute of Technology
Education: B.Sc., chemistry, Imperial College London, 2013; M.Sc., polymer chemistry, 2014, and Ph.D., chemistry, 2018, University of Warwick
Research: Branched polymers by RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer) for complexation and slow release of double-stranded RNA
Goals for program: “I am particularly looking forward to meeting fellow scientists from similar international backgrounds. I am also very excited to attend the ACS national meeting in Boston to network with and hear from many top researchers about their most recent and exciting findings.”
Justine N. deGruyter*
Graduate student at Scripps Research Institute California
Education: B.S., chemistry, New Mexico State University, 2014
Research: Functionalized peptides as targets for collaborative chemistry
Scientific role model: “My graduate adviser, Phil Baran. He is not only a brilliant scientist but also a remarkable educator. Both in the laboratory and in the classroom, he strives to ensure that every student has the necessary resources and support to succeed.”
Jie Deng
Graduate student at the University of Freiburg
Education: B.S., 2014, and M.S., 2017, polymer materials, Sichuan University
Research: Fabrication of nonequilibrium, life-inspired, DNA-based active matter and time-programmed materials
Goals for program: “Taking a short break from my Ph.D. research to attend this program and the ACS national meeting can give me some interdisciplinary perspectives, which will give me more inspiration in my own research.”
Dana DiScenza*
Graduate student at the University of Rhode Island
Education: B.S., chemistry, Marist College, 2014; M.B.A., University of Rhode Island, 2017
Research: Fundamental noncovalent intermolecular interactions of aromatic and nonaromatic molecules using cyclodextrin-promoted energy transfer and fluorescence modulation
Career dreams: “I plan to apply my extensive research, management, planning, and scientific writing experience to a career in science policy. I plan to use this platform to spread carefully researched scientific facts to help communicate science to the general public and influence lawmakers.”
Jesús Esteban Serrano
Postdoc at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion
Education: B.Eng., 2009, and Ph.D., 2015, chemical engineering, Complutense University of Madrid
Research: Development of processes to convert glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel, into valuable products
Scientific role models: “Researchers who come from the most unfavorable backgrounds yet are still willing to pursue their dreams and fight to progress and stand out even at the expense of being far away from their homes.”
Madison Fletcher
Postdoc at the University of California, Irvine
Education: B.A., chemistry, Bard College, 2012; Ph.D., organic chemistry, Temple University, 2017
Research: Development of a continuous-flow system to enhance biocatalysis
Scientific role model: “Rosalind Franklin without a doubt. She flourished in a time when she was not meant to succeed and contributed to one of the most fundamental discoveries in the history of the natural sciences.”
Gabriel dos Passos Gomes*
Graduate student at Florida State University
Education: B.Sc., chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 2013
Research: Use of stereoelectronic effects to control chemical reactivity
Advice for others: “Make sure you take care of yourself and those who are important to you, and try to find a balance during your time in a graduate program.”
Jesus Alberto Jaimes Arriaga
Graduate student at University of Buenos Aires
Education: B.S., 2012, and M.S., 2015, chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico
Research: Epistemological study of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and its role in the definition of molecular structure
Career dreams: “I want to apply the resources that I develop in the field of foundations of chemistry to the construction of new pedagogical and didactical tools in the teaching of chemistry at any level, but in particular at undergraduate level.”
Christopher Lemon
Postdoc at the University of California, Berkeley
Education: B.S., biochemistry and physics, Ohio Northern University, 2008; M.S., inorganic chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2013; Ph.D., Harvard University, 2016
Research: Development of red fluorescent proteins for biological sensing applications
Career dreams: “I want to develop both diagnostic and therapeutic agents to target enzymes implicated in cancer and other diseases. Additionally, I am excited to mentor the next generation of scientists that will develop the innovations of the future.”
Yuanhe Li
Graduate student at Peking University
Education: B.S., organic chemistry, Peking University, 2015
Research: Development of new asymmetric methodologies for total synthesis of complex natural products
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Scientific role model: “Dr. Stefan Grimme. His work is open and practical. I’m grateful that his contribution to theoretical chemistry is always targeted at solving practical problems. This style of research is truly accelerating our theoretical understanding of chemical processes.”
Felicia Phei Lin Lim
Graduate student at Monash University, Malaysia
Education: B.Pharm., Curtin University, 2014
Research: Development of practical methods with a focus on microwave-assisted synthesis and multicomponent reactions for the preparation of potentially bioactive 1,3,5-triazine-based purine isosteres
Goals for program: “This program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to expand my knowledge on managing quality research information and learn from leading global organizations such as CAS on ways to maximize the value of my research.”
Victor Pui-Yan Ma
Graduate student at Emory University
Education: B.S., chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 2012
Research: Biophysical mechanism of T-cell activation
Advice for others: “Engage in a research project that you are truly interested in and embrace the failures. You can’t find the same freedom outside of graduate school.”
Jana L. Markley*
Postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis
Education: B.Sc., chemistry, Oklahoma State University, 2010; Ph.D., organic chemistry, University of Kansas, 2016
Research: Synthesis and biological evaluation of small-molecule inhibitors of tetracycline-inactivating enzymes
Goals for program: “This is a unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of CAS—including the data powerhouse that is SciFinder, which has been invaluable to both my research development and my development as a researcher—and build lasting connections with an international network of young scientists.”
Abby-Jo Payne
Graduate student at the University of Calgary
Education: B.S., chemistry, Mount Allison University, 2014
Research: Synthesis of organic pi-conjugated materials and their use in solar-cell devices
Advice for others: “Attend conferences. Conferences like the ACS are the best spot to gain exposure to up-and-coming research in both industry and academia and is an excellent place to network to gain a better idea if graduate school may be for you and to help you narrow down what research area or even specifically who/where you may be interested in working for.”
Yunyan Qiu*
Postdoc at Northwestern University
Education: B.S., pharmaceutical sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 2011; Ph.D., chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 2016
Research: Molecular machines and related functional materials
Scientific role model: “Sir Fraser Stoddart. He is so enthusiastic and passionate about what he is doing, and most amazingly, he can still manage a large research group with more than 20 people and live a well-organized life while traveling around the world frequently.”
Yoshito Takahashi
Graduate student at Keio University
Education: B.S., chemistry, Keio University, 2015
Research: Development of an iridium-catalyzed reductive nucleophilic addition to amides
Goals for program: “In order to create new science, I think collaboration with a wide range of academic disciplines is necessary. The opportunity to interact with people with various fields and backgrounds is valuable, and I would like to make good friends through this program.”
Siddulu Naidu Talapaneni*
Research associate at the University of Newcastle
Education: B.S., chemistry, physics, and mathematics, Sri Venkateswara University, 2005; M.S., chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, 2007; Ph.D., chemical science and engineering, National Institute for Materials Science in collaboration with Hokkaido University, 2012
Research: Design and development of multifunctional nanoporous materials
Career dreams: “I envision a role in which I can utilize my expertise to be a leader in the field and pursue high-quality research in materials chemistry for the societal betterment.”
César A. Urbina-Blanco*
Postdoc at Ghent University
Education: B.S., chemistry, Simón Bolívar University, 2008; Ph.D., organometallic chemistry and catalysis, University of St Andrews, 2012
Research: Development of new catalysts to transform CO2 into valuable chemicals, and elucidation of reaction mechanisms
Scientific role model: “Professor Roberto Sánchez-Delgado. He was a brilliant Venezuelan organometallic chemist who used chemistry to solve problems affecting people in our country and was also an outspoken leader involved in politics, challenging the views of those making decisions with real facts and advocating for the need of science education.”
Galina Viryasova
Graduate student at Moscow State University
Education: B.S., chemistry, Moscow State University, 2014
Research: Human blood cells and processes that happen during differentiation and immune response
Career dreams: “I like to manage different processes and often organize many things like conferences and seminars by myself. I would be happy to have a business related to science after I finish my Ph.D.”
Julian G. West
Postdoc at California Institute of Technology
Education: B.Sc., chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2013; Ph.D., organic chemistry and catalysis, Princeton University, 2017
Research: Green methods for making fuels, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance materials
Advice for others: “Read broadly and voraciously since fortune favors the well read. Innovative research requires diversity of knowledge, backgrounds, and life experiences, so seek out new ideas and collaborators that come from outside your comfort zone.”
Anita Yadav
Graduate student at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Education: M.Sc., chemistry, University of Delhi, 2011; M.Tech., chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, 2014
Research: Investigation of various excited-state aggregation and complexation processes within ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, and their judiciously selected cosolvent mixtures
Scientific role model: “I look up to the eminent scientist Dr. C. V. Raman as my role model. Raman was a very diligent person, and as a researcher, he was more than just a perfectionist. In spite of being faced with several hardships and technical difficulties, he came up with such a breakthrough in the field of optical spectroscopy, which the world knows as the Raman effect today.”
Qi Zhang
Graduate student at East China University of Science & Technology
Education: B.S., fine chemicals, East China University of Science & Technology, 2015
Research: Supramolecular chemistry and smart materials
Advice for others: “Just do what you want to do and find the beauty in science. Never dream of publication in Nature or Science, just dream of good results.” ◾
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