Mentor: Guangbin Dong, Professor, Chemistry
Kezhi Chen is a third-year Ph.D. student in Chemistry at the University of Chicago, working in Prof. Guangbin Dong’s laboratory. His research focuses on transition metal catalysis and the development of sustainable synthetic methods for monomer synthesis. Currently, he is exploring dehydrogenation-functionalization strategies to convert fatty acid derivatives and acetals derived from waste cooking oils into valuable monomers. His work aims to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of catalytic transformations relevant to sustainable chemistry.