Stanford University
Showing 271-280 of 307 Results
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Robert Waymouth
Robert Eckles Swain Professor of Chemistry and Professor, by courtesy, of Chemical Engineering
BioRobert Eckles Swain Professor in Chemistry Robert Waymouth investigates new catalytic strategies to create useful new molecules, including bioactive polymers, synthetic fuels, and sustainable plastics. In one such breakthrough, Professor Waymouth and Professor Wender developed a new class of gene delivery agents.
Born in 1960 in Warner Robins, Georgia, Robert Waymouth studied chemistry and mathematics at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia (B.S. and B.A., respectively, both summa cum laude, 1982). He developed an interest in synthetic and mechanistic organometallic chemistry during his doctoral studies in chemistry at the California Institute of Technology under Professor R.H. Grubbs (Ph.D., 1987). His postdoctoral research with Professor Piero Pino at the Institut fur Polymere, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, focused on catalytic hydrogenation with chiral metallocene catalysts. He joined the Stanford University faculty as assistant professor in 1988, becoming full professor in 1997 and in 2000 the Robert Eckles Swain Professor of Chemistry.
Today, the Waymouth Group applies mechanistic principles to develop new concepts in catalysis, with particular focus on the development of organometallic and organic catalysts for the synthesis of complex macromolecular architectures. In organometallic catalysis, the group devised a highly selective alcohol oxidation catalyst that selectively oxidizes unprotected polyols and carbohydrates to alpha-hyroxyketones. In collaboration with Dr. James Hedrick of IBM, we have developed a platform of highly active organic catalysts and continuous flow reactors that provide access to polymer architectures that are difficult to access by conventional approaches.
The Waymouth group has devised selective organocatalytic strategies for the synthesis of functional degradable polymers and oligomers that function as "molecular transporters" to deliver genes, drugs and probes into cells and live animals. These advances led to the joint discovery with the Wender group of a general, safe, and remarkably effective concept for RNA delivery based on a new class of synthetic cationic materials, Charge-Altering Releasable Transporters (CARTs). This technology has been shown to be effective for mRNA based cancer vaccines. -
Paul Wender
Francis W. Bergstrom Professor and Professor, by courtesy, of Chemical and Systems Biology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMolecular imaging, therapeutics, drug delivery, drug mode of action, synthesis
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Yilei Wu
Laboratory Services Manager 2, Chemistry
BioResearch Scientist & Chemistry Teaching Lab Manager, Stanford University
Yilei Wu is a research scientist at Stanford University whose work focuses on advancing organic electronics and solar‑energy conversion. With more than 15 years of experience in molecular design, organic synthesis, and device engineering, his research spans thin‑film transistors, organic photovoltaics, spintronics, fluorescence imaging, and molecular machines. He specializes in developing high‑performance organic materials for solution‑printable solar cells and wearable electronics, integrating supramolecular chemistry, thin‑film deposition, and device characterization to optimize donor–acceptor interfaces and bulk morphology. His work supports the development of flexible, lightweight solar technologies for both civilian and modern defense applications.
In addition to his research, Wu oversees the operation and management of Stanford’s Chemistry teaching laboratories, directing laboratory infrastructure, instructional support, and departmental health and safety programs.
He teaches CHEM 100: Chemical Laboratory and Safety Skills, an intensive in‑lab course that provides foundational training in chemical safety, laboratory techniques, and hazard assessment. He also teaches CHEM 121: Understanding the Natural and Unnatural World through Chemistry, a course that explores how fundamental chemical principles drive innovation across biology, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, engineering, energy, and materials science. -
Yan Xia
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsPolymer Chemistry, Microporous Polymer Membranes, Responsive Polymers, Degradable Polymers, Polymers with Unique Mechanical Behaviors, Polymer Networks, Organic Electronic Materials
