LEITCH LAB

Abbie joined the Leitch Lab in August of 2025 after completing her Ph.D. at UNC Greensboro. She is currently investigating palladium-catalyzed C-H activation and functionalization of thiazoles. Abbie also enjoys the gym, hiking outdoors, movie nights, and watching Penguins hockey.

​Kushal joined the Leitch lab in September 2019 and completed his Ph.D. in August 2025. His research focuses on the reactivity of bicyclobutanes, specifically on developing catalytic methodologies to access densely functionalized nitrogen-containing multicyclic compounds. When he’s not tackling the complexities of organic synthesis, he's probably cheering for his favorite football team, relaxing with sitcoms and stand-up comedy, or plotting his next travel trip.

Shiqi joined the Leitch group in August 2023. His research focuses on palladium precatalysts, with a particular emphasis on the recovery of used catalysts. Outside of the lab, he enjoys hiking, playing Minecraft, watching sitcoms, and learning English (he has a "word panel" on a fume hood sash).

Muskan joined the laboratory in May 2024 as a PhD student. Her research focuses on the synthesis and reactivity of bicyclic compounds for the development of three-dimensional bioisosteres relevant to drug discovery. Outside the laboratory, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Mingen mainly focuses on organic/organometallic research and analytical characterization (NMR, HPLC, computational chemistry). He prefers technical depth, structured explanations, and automation or script-based solutions, and enjoys breaking down complex problems into clear, workable components.

Nelson rejoined Leitch Lab in January 2025 as a Master's student, having previously done undergraduate research in the group. His project is focused on recovering and reviving palladium catalysts, including their phosphine based ligands, using chelating bis-amidate ligands. In his free time, Nelson likes looking for new music, going to the gym, and going to local hardcore shows.

Maya joined the group in September of 2025 and is studying the formation of palladium oxidative addition complexes for quantitative reaction predictions and mechanistic studies. Outside of the lab, Maya loves rock climbing, hiking, and hunting for sea glass.

Sarah joined the group in 2021, completed her Honours thesis in 2024, and began her Master's in January 2026. Her research focuses on combining experimental and computational techniques to develop predictive models of NMR chemical shifts. Outside of the lab (and computer), she enjoys playing FromSoft games, reading, baking, and going to local indie concerts.