Laura Talavera, PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Ruben Martín (ICIQ), has defended her thesis entitled “Functionalisation of sp3 C-O Bonds and Olefins Enabled by Nickel Catalysis” publicly on September 21st.
The members of the evaluation committee were Prof. Dr. Alex Shafir (Institut de Química Avançada, Barcelona), Prof. Dr. Mariola Tortosa (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) and Prof. Dr. Igor Larrosa (University of Manchester)
Dr. Talavera was born in Lleida. She did her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (2011-2015) and pursued her Master’s degree in Industrial Chemistry and Induction to Chemical Research at the same University (2015-2016). After that, she tested the world of pharmaceutical industry, first at Esteve Química in Barcelona while she studied a Master’s degree in Experimentation in Fine Chemistry (2016-2017) and later at Evotec in the United Kingdom (UK). Later, she joined the group of Rubén Martín to start her doctoral studies in Organic Chemistry at ICIQ. Outside the lab, Laura loves outdoors activities such as hiking and climbing.
Why did you become a scientist?
Becoming a scientist was a natural choice for me, most likely because science came easily during my school years, and having a mother who was a Chemist inspired me to follow in her footsteps. It just felt like the right path.
What is your thesis about?
My thesis has been focused on the development of innovative methodologies using nickel catalysis, with a particular focus on exploring the unique reactivity modes of nickel that distinguish it from other metals in the catalytic process. In particular, my research has focused on the functionalisation of C(sp3)-O bonds in cyclic acetals via the use of a nickel/photoredox dual catalysis, alongside the functionalisation of inactivated olefins to generate molecular complexity, via the formation of C-C, C-B, and C-N bonds.
What triggered your interest for the subject of your thesis?
My interest in the subject of my thesis started during my time in the UK when I actively participated in various projects involving cross-coupling reactions. In some cases, it became apparent that we were facing certain limitations, and this raised my curiosity to explore new methods aimed at overcoming the limitations we currently encounter.
What applications can your thesis have in the future?
I strongly believe that the research work we conduct in our group will eventually find significant relevance in the industry. Given the current need for the development of new molecular scaffolds that are challenging to synthesis using existing methods, I am confident that our methodologies will likely provide new opportunities for diversifying molecular structures, which will, in turn, impact on drug discovery programs.
The thing that I like most about my thesis is….
The diverse versatility and the remarkable distinct reactivity modes we have achieved through the use nickel catalysis.
From the lessons learnt (or skills developed) at ICIQ, which one do you value the most?
Among the various lessons I have acquired during my time at ICIQ, the one I value the most is the constant desire to learn new things. Being surrounded by excellent scientists has inspired me to remain open to learn new things every day.
What do you wish you had known at the beginning of your PhD?
Looking back, I wish I had known that there would be periods when nothing seemed to work for several weeks/months. It is important to remember that perseverance is key, and eventually, you will achieve the results you are aiming for.
What advice do you have for someone who’s starting their PhD now?
My humble advice would be to listen and ask questions as much as possible. Take the time to learn from the people around you, as their experience can be invaluable.
From your experience at ICIQ, what do you think we can improve?
To promote collaboration within the different research groups and units. Encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations is essential for achieving the best possible results.
Who has been your biggest motivation?
My biggest influence and motivation have been the people who surround me. Is from them I learn how to become a better scientist.
If you were a piece of lab equipment, what would you be?
I would choose to be a GCMS, probably because it has been the equipment that has given me both the best and the worst days. In the end, it is through GCMS that I have been able to detect the presence or absence of product formation, and ultimately if my experiments have been successful or not.
