My area of interest is organic synthesis. Two areas of the field will be investigated: the synthesis of biologically active compounds and the development of synthetic methodologies. Target molecules include derivatives of the steroid dehydroepiandrosterone, and polyphenolic compounds related to the natural antioxidant resveratrol. Such compounds have potential disease-preventative and therapeutic properties. Research experience will include experimental design, synthetic methods, and modern methods of purification and structural characterization.