Dr. Melanie Sanford

Professor

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Biography

Melanie Sanford is a Moses Gomberg Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on the development of novel strategies for the oxidative functionalization of carbon-hydrogen bonds using transition metal catalysts. With a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology, she has significant contributions to the understanding and design of new organic reactions that facilitate site-, chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective modifications in complex organic molecules. Sanford's work is particularly relevant to addressing major challenges in organic synthesis, such as the activation of kinetically inert C–H bonds and achieving chemoselective oxidations. Furthermore, she explores high oxidation state metal complexes to gain insights into their reactivity and potential applications in catalysis. Throughout her career, she has garnered numerous awards such as the SABIC Young Catalysis Investigator Award and the ACS Award in Pure Chemistry, reflecting her prominent role in advancing chemical research and innovation.

Research Interests

Experience

Moses Gomberg Distinguished University Professor

2011-01-01 — Present

University of Michigan • Ann Arbor, MI

Leading research in organic and inorganic chemistry with a focus on catalysis and C–H functionalization.

Awards

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SABIC Young Catalysis Investigator Award

2015-01-01
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Raymond Beverly Sackler Prize in Physical Sciences

2013-01-01
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ACS Award in Pure Chemistry

2010-01-01

Requirements for University of Michigan

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Total
Required:84
GRE General
Verbal
Required:155
Verbal Percentile
Required:50
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:50
Analytical Writing
Required:3.6
Writing Percentile
Required:50
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree in engineering, physics, or mathematics Calculus Physics
Application Checklist
  • Rackham Graduate School Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science