I am currently studying non-enzymatic disassembly of lignocellulose. More specifically, developing new vanadium-catalyzed aerobic oxidative C-C bond cleavage reactions that could enable reactions that provide new chemical intermediates from cellulose and lignin. I am also working on tandom catalysis to convert carbohydrates to production of renewable chemicals and fuels, such as furfural,5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). These projects are funded through NSF's CENTC program. I'm working on this project with Anthony Crisci...