Investigating Reactive Intermediates in C–H Functionalization Chemistry and Insights into the PhD program at Texas A&M

Matthew Figgins graduated with his B.S. in Chemistry from Mississippi State University in 2021 where he was an undergraduate researcher in the lab of Prof. Charles Webster focusing on density functional theory investigation of ruthenium catalyzed CO₂ reduction. At Mississippi State, Matthew served as an ambassador for the College of Arts & Sciences as well as president of the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS). After leaving Mississippi State, he went on to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Texas A&M University where he is currently a 5^th year Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Prof. David Powers. Matthew’s doctoral research focuses on both experimental and computational investigation of reactive metal-heteroatom species invoked as key intermediates for C–H functionalization catalysis. At Texas A&M, he has served as a board member on both the Graduate Student Association for Chemistry (GSAC) as well as the Chemistry Student Safety Committee (CSSC).

His talk will highlight some of his research involving reactive Ni-phosphorous intermediates as well as Fe-nitrene intermediates invoked in C–H aziridination catalysis. He will also share his experience at Texas A&M and provide insight into the PhD program for undergraduates interested in pursuing a PhD.