Stefan L. Debbert

Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
234 Science Hall, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI 54912

stefan.debbert{ a t }lawrence.edu -- Office: (920) 832-6939

B.S. cum laude, Chemistry, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, 1999.
Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, Cornell University, 2005.
(Postdoctoral work with T.R. Hoye, at the University of Minnesota.)

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Teaching:

Topics in Advanced Organic Chemistry, Chem 450, Fall 2007
Textbook: Classics in Total Synthesis, by K.C. Nicolaou and E.J. Sorensen.
ISBN#: 3-527-29284-5 (Paperback), 3-527-29231-4 (Hardcover)

Designing a synthetic route is like writing a short story. There is a beginning, and an end. Creativity is required, but also some understanding of basic forms and templates. The climax engenders wonder in reader and writer alike. The main difference (besides the obvious lack of hexagon drawings in most prose) is that introductory writing classes can assume the students know lots of words, and at least the rudiments of grammar. In this class, we will study both the language of synthesis (i.e., the transformations that can occur, and the reagents that can bring them about) and the theory of synthetic design.

This course will use landmark natural product syntheses of the 20th and 21st centuries to teach organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and methodology. Emphasis will be placed on the primary literature -- how to find it, how to read it, and how to use it -- and on the proper use of the most useful tool at the organic chemist's disposal: the curved arrow. The class will be awesome, as well as fantastic. It will serve to prepare students for post-graduate study in organic chemistry or related disciplines, or for employment as a maker and manipulator of molecules.

The class requires the instructor's permission to sign up for, so contact me ASAP to sign up for it.

Chem 250 Organic Chemistry I
Textbook: Organic Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity (5th ed.), by Seyhan Ege.
ISBN#: 978-0-618-31809-4

Organic chemistry deals with molecules that take advantage of the strength of carbon-carbon bonds -- molecules like vitamin C, Vioxx, polystyrene, estrogen, DDT, etc. We will study the structures of these molecules, as well as the techniques used to determine those structures. We will then roll up our collective sleeves and delve into organic synthesis, the art of building molecules. The mechanisms by which molecules undergo reactions will be stresses; students will learn not only the what, but also the how and why. Organic chemistry requires three-dimensional thinking, attention to detail, and perseverance. It resists attempts at rote memorization and rewards creativity and openness to new ideas. It is the chemistry of life, and of our lives, and many of you are required to take it anyway, so perhaps this sales pitch is completely unnecessary. Lectures and weekly four-hour laboratory.

Chem 252 Organic Chemistry II
(same textbook as Chem 250)

A more in-depth look at organic synthesis and reactivity. Lectures and weekly laboratory.

Freshman Studies 100. (Fall 2008)

Kafka. Einstein. Messiaen. Plato. Bishop. Oh heck yes.

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Research:

- Polyamine macrocycle synthesis!

- Further development of the Pauson-Khand reaction!

- Supramolecular chemistry with calixarenes (in the classroom, in the lab, to the clinic)!

Please contact me if you have an interest in a truly immersive experience in my laboratory. Independent study offered during the school year, and summer research opportunities abound.

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Personal:

I am a Fond du Lac (WI) native and graduate of Winnebago Lutheran Academy. I am married, with two small children. One of these children can draw a stick figure (representing herself, with a "mad face") stomping on another stick figure's head (representing her mother). I enjoy traveling, music, explaining things, and worrying about the potential failures of Wisconsin's major professional sports teams.

Page under construction, obviously.
Personal page disclaimer.
Last updated: August 25, 2008.