Rate Professor Mark Rizzacasa

Professional Summary: Professor Mark Rizzacasa

Professor Mark Rizzacasa is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a prominent career in organic chemistry. Renowned for his contributions to synthetic organic chemistry and natural product synthesis, he has made significant advancements in the field through innovative research and academic leadership.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Rizzacasa completed his undergraduate studies and earned his PhD in Organic Chemistry at the University of Melbourne. His academic training has provided a strong foundation for his expertise in complex molecule synthesis and chemical methodologies.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Rizzacasa’s research focuses on synthetic organic chemistry, with particular emphasis on the total synthesis of biologically active natural products. His work explores novel synthetic strategies, asymmetric synthesis, and the development of new methodologies for constructing complex molecular architectures. His interests also extend to medicinal chemistry, aiming to address challenges in drug discovery and development.

Career History and Appointments

• Professor of Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne (current position)
• Associate Professor, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne (prior role)
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Cambridge, UK (early career)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

• Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)
• Recipient of the A. J. Birch Medal from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (2014), recognizing excellence in organic chemistry
• Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship, supporting innovative research in synthetic chemistry

Key Publications

Professor Rizzacasa has authored numerous high-impact publications in leading chemistry journals. Below is a selection of notable works:

• 'Total Synthesis of (-)-Reiswigin A via an Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reaction' - Journal of the American Chemical Society (1997)
• 'Synthetic Studies toward the Total Synthesis of Norzoanthamine' - Organic Letters (2008)
• 'A Convergent Approach to the Marine Natural Product Eleutherobin' - Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2002)
• 'New Methods for the Synthesis of Complex Natural Products' - Chemical Reviews (2010, co-authored)

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Rizzacasa’s groundbreaking work in natural product synthesis has advanced the understanding of complex molecular structures and their potential applications in medicine. His innovative synthetic methodologies have been widely adopted by researchers in organic and medicinal chemistry, contributing to drug discovery and development. His mentorship of students and early-career researchers at the University of Melbourne has also fostered the next generation of chemists.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

• Invited speaker at international conferences, including the International Symposium on Organic Chemistry
• Member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Organic Chemistry Division
• Editorial board member and reviewer for prominent journals in organic chemistry, such as Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry