Ryan Kessler
Highland Park,IL
Summary
Motivated sophomore at Emory University with over a year of hands-on chemistry research experience, including two summers in biochemistry, and current involvement in a total synthesis lab. Proficient in laboratory techniques with an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. Looking to apply current academic research skills, gain industry exposure, and further expand laboratory skill set.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Dai Lab, Emory University
10.2025 - Current
- Executed multi-step organic synthesis on terpene-derived substrates as part of a natural product synthesis effort.
- Performed air- and moisture-sensitive organometallic reactions, including synthesis and handling of nickel complexes, using Schlenk line and glovebox techniques.
- Purified and characterized intermediates and products via column chromatography, recrystallization, and NMR spectroscopy.
Research Assistant
Kelleher Lab, Northwestern University
06.2023 - 08.2024
- Conducted oncoproteomics and natural products research during Summer 2023 and Summer 2024.
- Designed and executed experiments, analyzing data to support research findings and presentations.
- Contributed to investigation of tambroline biosynthesis, supporting the identification of a novel amino acid pathway.
- Characterized natural products and intermediates using HPLC and mass spectrometry.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Emory University
Atlanta, GA05-2029
Skills
- General Laboratory Skills: Synthesis, column chromatography, glovebox, Schlenk line, data analysis
- Instrumentations Learned: NMR, HPLC, Mass Spectrometer
Accomplishments
- 1st place National High School MUN Conference 2025
- 1st place Chicago International MUN Conference 2024
- 2nd place at National High School Model UN Conference 2024
- 2nd place at Chicago International MUN Conference 2023
- 3rd place at Chicago International MUN Conference 2023
- 1st place MUN University of Chicago Conference 2022
- 13th place at World Wake Association Wakeboard Park World Championship in London, 2022
Timeline
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Dai Lab, Emory University
10.2025 - Current
Research Assistant
Kelleher Lab, Northwestern University
06.2023 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Emory University