Calling all students of Chemistry from GCSE to A Level to university! We’re inviting you to hear from one of Chemistry’s most inspiring and exciting scientists today - Dr André K Isaacs. Not only is Dr Isaacs helping speed up the development of new antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance, he's also bringing chemistry to life as a TikTok Chemist via his hugely popular channel - @drdre4000, and is a leading campaigner for making chemistry more diverse and inclusive.

André will discuss his cutting-edge research aimed at tackling a major global challenge, as well as his personal journey to becoming an internationally renowned chemist, including the barriers he’s overcome and what’s kept him striving for excellence.

Schedule

15.30: Arrival and reception in the Great Hall, with light refreshments. Chemistry demonstrations and experiments to try.

16.10: Welcome

16.15: Current Chemistry PhD student Jhanelle White will give a talk on: My journey through research - from big questions to quantum answers

16.30: Lecture by Dr André K Isaacs: A Chemist's Approach to Tackling Antibiotic Resistance

17.30: Networking opportunity

A chemist's approach to tackling antibiotic resistance by Dr André K Isaacs

Abstract:

Antibiotic resistance is a major global issue, and the development of new antibiotics is a critical weapon in this fight. Many antibiotics contain a key structure called beta-lactams, these are a particular kind of compound known as a heterocycle (a circular compound containing both organic and inorganic elements). My research interests are centred on copper-catalysed reactions of highly reactive chemical species that then react further to create some of these useful heterocycles. Creating straightforward chemical routes into making parts of antibiotics such as beta-lactams is invaluable in the race to develop new antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance.

In this talk, I will guide you through my research, my personal journey through chemistry andmy efforts to diversity the field and bring chemistry to everyone.

Speaker bio:

Born in Jamaica, André moved to the US to study Chemistry at university. Upon completion of his BA in Chemistry in 2005, he undertook a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania and obtained a position as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Berkeley. He then became an Associate Professor at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts with his growing research group.

André conducts research into creating compounds known as heterocycles via copper-catalysed reactions; understanding how to produce these heterocycles, which are a key component in some antibiotics, could help in the fight against antibiotic resistance, Alongside his research, André teaches courses in Organic Chemistry, and is one of the co-founding members of Outfront, the college’s LGBTQ faculty and staff alliance. As a TikTok Chemist, André showcases his research, students, and self-proclaimed lab shenanigans, sharing lab group TikTok dances and glam looks with almost half a million followers – find him at @drdre4000.

My journey through research - from big questions to quantum answers by Jhanelle White

Jhanelle White is a current PhD student in the department of chemistry at King’s College London. Her research is in the field of Biomolecular Electronics where her project focuses on how electrons move through proteins in an attempt to design new electrical circuits out of biomolecules. She is also the former president of the King’s College London Students’ Union (KCLSU) Chemistry Society and Black in STEM Society. With a history of student activism, Jhanelle has led many groups and campaigns centred around accessing higher education in the UK from traditionally underrepresented groups.

About the Daniell Lecture

The Daniell Lecture is delivered by the Department of Chemistry at King's and sponsored by the Chilterns & Middlesex branch of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Kickstarted in 1995, the series is in memory of John Frederic Daniell, who was appointed the first Professor of Chemistry at King’s College London in 1831. The first chemical laboratory was founded a few years later in 1834. Daniell remained at King's until 1845 and in 1846 the Daniell Scholarship was founded in his honour. Daniell invented the first electrochemical cell, laying down the foundations of the study of electrochemistry and hence influencing the study of Physical Chemistry. Today, the cell named after him, the ‘Daniell Cell’, can be found in Chemistry textbooks in schools and colleges the world over.

If you have any questions about this event please contact chemistry-outreach@kcl.ac.uk.

Disclaimer: For in-person events we operate a policy of overbooking, given drop-out rates. Please ensure you arrive in good time to avoid disappointment on the day.

Livestream:

• This event will be livestreamed from 16:10 to 17:30 and a recording will be shared on the NMES Faculty YouTube channel.

• You will receive the livestream link closer to the event.

Photography and videography: The event you will be attending will have photography and videography. If you do not wish to appear in any recordings or photographs, please approach our registration team on the day of the event or email nmes-outreach@kcl.ac.uk before the event. Photographs and recordings taken may feature in our publications or on the King’s website and social media channels. All personal data will be processed in accordance with King’s privacy policy available on request or at www.kcl.ac.uk/terms/privacy.

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