The Hill lab members are excited about developing
new cyclopropanation strategies to access complex
molecules. Specifically, they have begun to access
the core fragment of cerorubinic acid III. This com-
plex molecule facilitates insect communication, and
to our knowledge is the most complex known to do
so.
Interestingly, the core structure of this compound
resembles that of a class of anticancer compounds
discovered here in the research triangle, paclitaxel,
so building these molecules could provide deriva-
tives with unique anticancer activities. Consequent-
ly, we are developing a new cyclopropanation strat-
egy to do so which makes use of unconventional
carbene precursors.
Outreach and Service
As a native of Kinston, NC, outreach and making an
impact on the broader community has always been
important to Professor Wilkerson-Hill. During his
research experiences, he has also discovered that
science is a subject with the power to address, if not
drastically change, socioeconomic situations by the
inherent virtues that this subject instills, curiosity,
critical thinking, teamwork, et cetera.
Consequently, Dr. Wilkerson-Hill’s future role as a
research scientist is not only to produce great sci-
ence that will have greater impacts on the global
community, but to help produce great scientists
who will do the same, while simultaneously foster-
ing curiosity and a sincere appreciation for the sci-
ences in the general public.
To accomplish this, Professor Wilkerson-Hill has
developed and participated in programs that pro-
mote science and diversity on local and global lev-
els such as Teach for Madagascar, self-designed
- undergraduate, Berkeley Science Network, grad-
uate, and the California Alliance, graduate, National
Organization for the Professional Advancement of
Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, NOBCCHe,
post-doctoral and, faculty member. These efforts
have had a broader impact on underrepresented
groups participating in the sciences.
Staff Awardees
Jill Fallin
Extra Mile
Award
Laura Yurco
Selected
for the
UNC ULEAD
Program
Laura Condie
Extra Mile
Award
CHEM.UNC.EDU | CHEMISTRY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA |
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