Dr. Robert Waymouth

Professor

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Biography

Robert Waymouth is the Robert Eckles Swain Professor of Chemistry at Stanford University, where he explores innovative catalytic strategies to create useful new molecules, including bioactive polymers, synthetic fuels, and sustainable plastics. He began his academic journey with a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.A. in Mathematics from Washington Lee University, graduating summa cum laude in 1982. He pursued his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology under the guidance of Professor R.H. Grubbs, completing his doctorate in 1987. Following his doctoral studies, he engaged in postdoctoral research at the Institut für Polymere, ETH Zurich, focusing on catalytic hydrogenation of chiral metallocene catalysts. Since joining the faculty at Stanford University as an assistant professor in 1988 and achieving full professorship in 1997, he has made significant contributions to the field of organometallic catalysis. His research group is particularly noted for developing selective organocatalytic strategies for synthesizing functional degradable polymers that serve as molecular transporters for gene and drug delivery, including innovations that have been leveraged in mRNA-based cancer vaccines.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

1988-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Robert Waymouth investigates new catalytic strategies to create useful new molecules, bioactive polymers, synthetic fuels, and sustainable plastics, contributing significantly to the field of organometallic chemistry.

Awards

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Fellow

2024-01-01
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Herman F. Mark Award

2023-01-01
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ACS Award in Polymer Chemistry

2022-01-01
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Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung Award

2022-01-01
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Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award

2012-01-01
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Cooperative Research Award in Polymer Science and Engineering

2009-01-01
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Bass Fellow

2005-01-01
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Walter J. Gores Award for Excellence in Teaching

1997-01-01
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Wilhelm Manchot Professorship

1997-01-01
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Alan T. Waterman Award

1996-01-01
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Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award

1995-01-01
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Fresenius Award

1995-01-01
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Bing Fellowship, Undergraduate Teaching Award

1994-01-01
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A.P. Sloan Fellow

1993-01-01
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Undergraduate Teaching Award

1993-01-01
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Union Carbide Innovation Award

1993-01-01
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Young Investigator

1992-01-01
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James L. Howe Chemistry Award

1982-01-01

Patents

Cell-Penetrating, Guanidinium-Rich Oligophosphoesters Drug Probe Delivery

10,654,875 B2 2020-01-19

Amphipathic Co-Oligomers Delivery siRNA

9,902,957 2018-02-27

Dithiolane Carbonate Monomers Polymers Thereof

9556308 B1 2017-01-31

Cyclic carbonate monomers oligocarbonate molecular transporters

7,939,621 B2 2011-01-10

Catalytic depolymerization polymers containing electrophilic linkages using nucleophilic reagents

8,492,504 B2 2013-07-23

Courses

CHEM 255 CHEM 126 CHEM 190 CHEM 90 CHEM 200 CHEM 301

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.