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Regan J. Thomson

Professor

B.S. (Hons): University of Auckland/The Australian National University 1995-1998
Ph.D.: The Australian National University, 1999-2003
Post-doctoral Fellow: Harvard University 2003-2006

Affiliations

Chemistry of Life Processes Institute (CLP)

Research Statement

Our research group is interested in molecular structure and function, and to that end we draw significant inspiration from complex naturally occurring molecules. For us, these fascinating compounds can play a pivotal role in solving two grand challenges for science: combating human disease and understanding climate change.  Addressing these grand challenges through synthesis is at the heart of the research endeavors within our group.

Selected Publications

Selective Deuteration Reveals the Importance of Multiple Branching Pathways in α-Pinene Autoxidation, Meder, M.; Graeffe, F.; Luo, Y.; Luo, J.; Iyer, S.; Valiev, R.; Cai, R.; Rissanen, M.; Kurtén, T;  Varelas, J. G.; Geiger, F. M.; Thomson, R. J.; Ehn, M. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 14131–1413.

Synthesis of Chromanes by Triflimide-catalyzed Annulations of Benzylic Alcohols and Alkenes, Luo, J.; Eichmann, K. G.; Guerrero, M. D.; Koukounas, K. G.; Wang, W.; Reynolds, R. G.; Jones, M.; Thomson, R. J. J. Org. Chem. 2025, 90, 4446–4449.

Strategies and Tactics for Site Specific Deuterium Incorporation at Each Available Carbon Atom of α-Pinene, Luo, J.; Upshur, M. A.; Vega, M.; Doering, N. A.; Varelas, J.; Ren, Z.; Geiger, F. M.; Sarpong, R.; Thomson, R. J. J. Org. Chem. 2024, 89, 14265–14278.

Molecular Chirality and Cloud Activation Potentials of Dimeric α-Pinene Oxidation Products, Bellcross, A.; Bé, A. G. ; Geiger, F. M.; Thomson, R. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143, 16653–16662.

 

Selected Honors/Awards

  • Novartis Chemistry Lectureship (2015–2016)
  • Amgen Young Investigator (2010)
  • NSF CAREER Award (2009–2014)
  • Thieme Chemistry Journal Award (2008)