Nik Chekshin, PhD
Doctoral Dissertation: Site-and Stereoselective C(sp3)–H Functionalization Through Ligand Design
Research Focus: With a research focus on ligand design, Chekshin discovered and developed novel catalytic systems for selective C-H functionalization, which unlocked rapid access to new chemical space and enabled synthesis of structurally diverse libraries of bioactive molecules and medicinal targets..
Undergraduate Institution: University of Oxford
Noteworthy Publications: β-C−H bond functionalization of ketones and esters by cationic Pd complexes, Nature (2025); Ligand-controlled divergent dehydrogenative reactions of carboxylic acids via C–H activation, Science (2021); A tautomeric ligand enables directed C‒H hydroxylation with molecular oxygen, Science (2021)
Honors and Awards: Bristol Myers Squibb Award (2024); IPMI Johnson Matthey Award (2024); NSF Innovation Corps Award (2023)
Looking Back: "I am extremely fortunate and thankful for the opportunity to learn from the most brilliant minds in chemistry and share my scientific journey with the most incredible collaborators and friends during my doctoral studies at Scripps. My success wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of my PhD advisor Professor Jin-Quan Yu, who inspired me to ask challenging questions and find creative insights leading to new discoveries."
What's Next: "I am looking forward to applying my skills and experience from my research at Scripps to advancing drug discovery with innovative science."
Join us at 10 a.m. PDT on Friday, May 16, 2025 for our Commencement Ceremony Livestream! Chekshin will be introduced by his advisor, Prof. Jin-Quan Yu, who will deliver a few words about his graduate experience. Viewers will also learn about our many other 2025 graduates, who are now setting out to build careers that will profoundly impact the future of biomedical research.
Photos from Nik Chekshin's Graduate School Experience: |
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 Nik Chekshin at his dissertation defense with his committee (l to r): Professors Jin-Quan Yu, K. Barry Sharpless, Abigail Doyle, Keary Engle and Phil Baran. |
 Nik Chekshin with Professor Jin-Quan Yu and Yihao Li at the NJACS Award for Creativity in Organic Synthesis Symposium. |
 Nik Chekshin receiving the IPMI Johnson Matthey Award from Johnson Matthey Director Thomas Rielly in Orlando, FL. |
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