Research Scientist
Southwest Research Institute
Dr. Menard’s research experience has been focused on the development of selective and efficient catalytic reactions utilizing main
group elements. Previous doctoral research projects include: The stereoselective difunctionalization of alkenes utilizing a
selenophoshoramide Lewis base catalyst for the highly enantioselective synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted chromans, a biologically
privileged scaffold; The study of the allylation of unprotected sugars under aqueous conditions utilizing extremely efficient and
recyclable indium catalysts. Additionally, he has studied bismuth Lewis acids as chiral catalysts, under aqueous and organic
systems, and investigated chiral phase-transfer catalysts for the Corey-Chaykovsky reaction.
During the development of these reactions Dr. Menard has developed new organic methodologies, thoroughly optimized reaction
protocols, and has worked towards efficient and scalable syntheses. These projects made extensive use of organic synthesis,
spectroscopic analysis, and reaction kinetics.