I am Paven Kisten from South Africa. I received an integrated MChem degree in Chemistry with Medicinal Science from the University of Southampton. During my time at university, my research focussed on metal-organic frameworks as heterogeneous catalysts.

First, working on nanoparticle incorporated amine functionalised frameworks for one-pot reactions under the supervision of Professor Robert Raja. Then at the University of Calgary working with Professor George Shimizu to gain an insight into a novel application of zirconium phosphonate complexes as Brønsted acid catalysts. This strengthened my ability to attune scientific procedures and sparked an interest in green chemistry.

Under the CCIMC network, my project will focus on using computational and spectroscopic techniques to revise the asymmetric hydrogenation catalytic mechanism. Through a combination of novel ligand and transition metal synthesis, we will test these catalytic systems. Enabling the creation of more robust homogeneous systems with greater yield and enantiomeric excess for the hydrogenation of prochiral substrates