PhD Chemist Seeking Employment in Southern California
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PhD Chemist Seeking Employment in Southern California

BRANDON L. COLES-TAYLOR
Denver, CO 80222 | ------------ | ------------ | ------------/in/brandoncolestaylor24
Education
University of Denver, GPA 3.4 Denver, Colorado
Doctoral Candidate, Organic Chemistry Expected June 2020
Relevant Courses: Structures and Energetics, Membranes and Lipids, Chemical Systems I & II
Honors: Inclusive Engagement Fellow

Lawrence University, GPA 3.4 Appleton, Wisconsin
Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry June 2015
Relevant Courses: Intermediate Organic Synthesis, Organic Chemistry I & II, Physical Chemistry I &II
Honors: POLYED Organic Chemistry Award

Publications
Coles-Taylor, B. L., McCallum, M. S., Lee, J. S., & Michel, B. W. (2018). Accessing 4-oxy-substituted isoquinolinones via C–H activation and regioselective migratory insertion with electronically biased ynol ethers. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, 16(44), 8639-8646. doi:10.1039/c8ob02622j

Professional Development
University of Denver Denver, Colorado
Graduate Teaching Assistant September 2015 – Present
From this position I am privileged with the responsibility to instruct sections of undergraduate organic chemistry laboratories. I teach safe laboratory practice and execution of organic transformations. I also am responsible for the development and grading of the laboratory final.
Knoebel Institute of Healthy Aging Research Poster Session (2nd place) November 2016
This poster presentation was for the coronation of the Knoebel Instituted in the newly built engineering building. Research was presented from various disciplines; bioinformatics, biochemistry, physics, biophysics, organic chemistry. Approximately 30 posters were presented.

Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos, New Mexico
Summer Graduate Intern June 2019 – August 2019
I was tasked with making specialized imidazolium halide ionic liquid polymers via Passerini polymerization reactions, and subsequent quaternization. These polymers were then further processed via self-assembly in specific concentration of water, or through forming interconnecting systems through further thermal or radical polymerization. Structures were then analyzed by small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS).

Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin
Research Intern June 2014 –September 2014
I synthesized and researched novel compounds with potential anti-cancer properties
Development of Sulfoxides to Investigate Fluid Properties January 2014 – June 2014
Long chain sulfoxides were synthesized, purified, and verified to be tested for electrochemical properties. Compounds were characterized by thin-layer chromatography, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Determination of electrochemical properties of synthesized sulfoxides were evaluated by a collaborating lab.
Synthesis of Anti-Malarial Substrates June 2013-June 2014
Novel arylpyrroles were synthesized and biochemically tested for antimalarial potential. I was responsible for planning and carrying out a three-step synthesis of novel arylpyrroles, considering safety and waste disposal. Compounds were characterized by thin-layer chromatography, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Anti-malarial potential was determined via a I-Kappa B kinase fluorescent assay.

Workshops & Trainings
Coles-Taylor, B. (November 2018). Organic Chemistry Lecture. University of Denver.
A two-hour undergraduate lecture covering stereochemistry, enantiomers, and optical activity. The intricacies of naming stereoisomers and the effects of conformation on physical properties were thoroughly examined.


Coles-Taylor. B. and Taylor, S. (March 2018). Facilitator, Black Male Initiative Summit. University of Denver.
An all-day workshop for 300 Black, male high school students to gain professional skills, grow personally and heal from racialized trauma experienced in their everyday lives.

Coles-Taylor, B. (January 2017). I’m in College!!! What do I do now? Questions, concerns and challenges of being underrepresented. E-STEM, University of Denver.
A workshop on the experiences, challenges faced, and wisdom gained as a first-generation, minority, college student.

Extra-Curricular Activities
High School Student Ministry Restoration Community Church Area Leader 2018-present
Black Male Initiative Summit University of Denver Facilitator 2017-present
Mechanism Club Member Present
Delta Tau Delta Lawrence University Alumni Member Present
Lawrence University Football Captain 2011-2014
Athletic Conservatory Engagement Committee Member 2014-2015

Technical Skills
• High performance liquid chromatography, thin layer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, recrystallization, sublimation, undergraduate student management, vacuum distillation.