About Us

The Kennedy Research Group is a team of enthusiastic and interdisciplinary scientists at the University of Rochester, Department of Chemistry. We are driven to tackle challenges in catalysis and synthetic chemistry that simultaneously advance society and improve our fundamental understanding of chemical reactivity. We use mechanistic elucidation and understanding to direct the development of chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective catalytic methods for the valorization of chemical feedstocks ranging from petrochemicals, to biomass, to anthropogenic waste. We strive to construct useful building blocks for applications in chemical synthesis (e.g. therapeutics, flavors & fragrances, agrochemicals, materials etc.) while advancing the frontiers of sustainable catalysis. Our pursuits lie at the interface of synthetic organic and organometallic chemistry and draw from state-of-the-art experimental and computational techniques in physical organic and inorganic chemistry. Students in the group can expect to gain experience and expertise in organic & organometallic synthesis & characterization, method development, and mechanistic study along with the critical analysis skills that will prepare them for careers in academia, the pharmaceutical/chemical industries, science policy/writing, and beyond!

 

Join Us!

The Kennedy Group is excited to team up with motivated and curious students. If you’d like to learn more about how you might fit in with our young group, please reach out!

Prospective Graduate Students: Prospective graduate students interested in the PhD program should apply according to the information on the Department of Chemistry webpage.

UR Undergraduates: If you are an undergraduate chemistry major interested in conducting research, you can apply on AURA at any time. We typically recruit 1–2 new students to start in the lab each academic year. 

Prospective Postdoctoral Scholars: Pending the availability of funding, highly qualified postdoctoral candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. We do not currently have any funded positions available. Interested applicants should email Professor Kennedy and include a tailored cover letter detailing their research interests and career goals, a curriculum vitae including a list of publications, a brief research summary (1–3 pages), and contact information for two or more professional references including their Ph.D. and current research advisor(s). 

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