Dr. Theodore Betley

Biography

Theodore Betley is the Erving Professor of Chemistry at Harvard University and Director of Graduate Studies. His research focuses on synthetic inorganic chemistry, emphasizing the design of new complexes capable of activating unreactive chemical bonds and creating catalysts composed of first-row transition elements. His innovative work has led to the discovery of reactive iron-based catalysts for C–H bond functionalization and polynuclear complexes that can facilitate multi-electron small molecule activation reactions. Ted's research relies on expertise in air-free synthesis, alongside a wide array of spectroscopic and theoretical analysis. Previously, he completed his BSE in Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan and earned his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry at California Institute of Technology under the supervision of Jonas Peters. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with Dan Nocera. Ted has been recognized as one of the Technology Review's top 35 technological innovators and has received the NSF, DOE, and DOD Early Career Awards.

Research Interests