Marcus W. Drover
Metal-catalyzed C-X (X = C, N) bond formation (M = Rh, Ir)
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Simply put, I love performing research and this degree will enable me to pursue a career in academia.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC has a world-renowned chemistry department enabling students to work at the cutting edge of scientific discovery.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
With respect to graduate life, I'm grateful for the freedom I have to explore an area of research that I am passionate about. Vancouver is an amazing city, jam-packed with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity!
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
If successful, our route will provide a novel method for the preparation of useful N-containing molecules from un-activated hydrocarbons: a naturally occurring source of chemically useful ligands and reagents. We anticipate that these new methods would be applicable to the clean synthesis of lifesaving drugs, as well as important materials, which are encountered daily.
What has winning a major award meant to you?
I am very humbled to have received these prestigious scholarships to pursue my doctoral studies at UBC. Given the general difficulty associated with obtaining funding and the high quality of research programs in Canada, I feel truly honored to have been named a Vanier scholar.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Work hard and play harder! (Work diligently to achieve the goals that you set, but always remember to have fun and stay healthy).
