Dominc Shiels
Rochester,New York
Summary
Aspiring academic researcher with specialist experience in synthetic inorganic chemistry. Well-versed in the development of new, creative, methodologies for targeting novel molecules, particularly in the areas of polyoxometalate and organophosphorus chemistry. Also, have a working knowledge and experience in the practical use of computational chemistry. Comfortable teaching and supervising students at a range of levels.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Postdoctoral research associate
Prof. Ellen M. Matson, University of Rochester
Rochester, New York
2024.01 - Current
- Independently developed a new research direction within though group focusing on the use of polyoxomolybdates for actinide binding.
- Mentored students at both graduate and undergraduate level, both managing project direction and providing training in synthetic inorganic chemistry.
- Published high-quality research findings in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing academic reputation.
- Presented research outcomes at international conferences, promoting knowledge sharing.
Lab Demonstrator
Newcastle University
Newcastle Upon Tyne
2019.09 - 2023.09
- Supported 4 cohorts of undergraduate and masters students in practical experiments
- Helped develop a new undergraduate experiment focusing on the synthesis of a hexamolybdate bearing an organoimido substituent
- Assisted students in understanding experimental design and relevant health & safety factors
- Reinforced fundamental theories presented in lectures using practical experiments as hands-on examples
Laboratory Intern
Newcastle University
Newcastle Upon Tyne
2018.06 - 2018.09
- Self-led a project exploring the synthesis and air-stability of substituted phosphinecarboxamides
- Used Density Functional Theory calculations to rationalize experimental finds and develop understanding
- Gained valuable experience in organic synthesis and application of 31P NMR
- Handled highly air-sensitive materials and successfully employed them in synthetic methods
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Chemistry
Newcastle University
Carlisle 2009.09 - 2013.06
Doctor of Philosophy - Chemistry
Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne 2019.09 - 2023.12
Master of Science - Chemistry
Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne 2015.09 - 2019.07
A-Levels - Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography
Trinity School
Carlisle 2013.09 - 2015.06
Selected Conferences
Invited Oral presentation (& poster): Developing non-aqueous polyoxometalate chemistry with f-block elements
Frontiers in Metal Oxide Cluster Science VII , April 2023
Mainz, Germany
Prize awarded for best poster
Oral contribution: Enhancing the redox properties of a polyoxoalkoxide cluster by actinide coordination
45th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry , July 2024
Colorado, United States
Oral contribution: Developing the Synthesis of novel heterometal substituted Lindqvist-type Polyoxometalates
ACS Fall , August 2023
San Francisco, United States
Selected Publications
Leveraging a reduced polyoxomolybdate-alkoxide cluster for the formation of a stable U(v) sandwich complex (Journal article)
Authors: Dominic Shiels, William W. Brennessel, Matthew R. Crawley, and Ellen M. Matson
Journal: Chem. Sci. (2024)
A Thirty-Year-Old Mystery Solved: Identification of a New Heptatungstate from Non-Aqueous Solutions (Journal article)
Authors: Dominic Shiels, Magda Pascual-Borràs, Paul G. Waddell, Corinne Wills, Josep-Maria Poblet and R. John Errington
Journal: Chem. Comm. (2023)
Probing the Framework Metal Dependent Properties of Actinide-Centered Polyoxoalkoxide Sandwich-Type Complexes (Journal article)
Authors: Dominic Shiels, Adriana C. Berlfein, Barbara M. T. C. Peluzo, Lauren M. Lopez, Andrew W. Mitchell, William W. Brennessel, Matthias Zeller, Matthew R. Crawley, Suzanne Bart, Michael T. Ruggiero, and Ellen M. Matson
Journal: Inorg. Chem. (2025)
Vanadium Substitution Dictates H Atom Uptake at Lindqvist-type Polyoxotungstates (Journal article)
Authors: Dominic Shiels, Zhou Lu, Magda Pascual-Borràs, Nathalia Cajiao, Thompson V. Marinho, William W. Brennessel, Michael L. Neidig, R. John Errington, and Ellen M. Matson
Journal: Inorg. Chem. (2024)
Venturing Past Uranium: Synthesis of a Np(IV) Polyoxomolybdate–Alkoxide Sandwich Complex (Journal article)
Authors: Leyla R. Valerio, Dominic Shiels, Lauren M. Lopez, Andrew W. Mitchell, Matthias Zeller, Suzanne Bart and Ellen M. Matson
Journal: Inorg. Chem. (2024)
Timeline
Postdoctoral research associate
Prof. Ellen M. Matson, University of Rochester
2024.01 - Current
Lab Demonstrator
Newcastle University
2019.09 - 2023.09
Doctor of Philosophy - Chemistry
Newcastle University
2019.09 - 2023.12
Laboratory Intern
Newcastle University
2018.06 - 2018.09
Master of Science - Chemistry
Newcastle University
2015.09 - 2019.07
A-Levels - Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography
Trinity School
2013.09 - 2015.06
Doctor of Philosophy - Chemistry
Newcastle University
2009.09 - 2013.06