Todd Hyster

Name and title:

Todd Hyster, Associate Professor, Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Academic focus: 

Biocatalysis and organic synthesis

Current research project:

We use visible light to expand the synthetic capabilities of enzymes (nature’s catalysis). This work enables us to address long-standing challenges in chemical synthesis and to fundamentally alter how molecules of societal value are prepared.

Previous positions: 

• Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, 2015-2020 
• NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 2013-2015

Academic background: 

• Ph.D., Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, 2008-2013
• B.S., Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2004-2008

Last book read:

“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari

In your own time/when not working:

I enjoy golfing, skiing, hiking, and tasting delicious wines and beers. 

Courses you’re most looking forward to teaching:

Undergraduate and graduate organic chemistry courses

What most excites you about Cornell:

I think it is a really exciting time to be in the chemistry department at Cornell. The quality of research going on here is on par with the best places in the world. When coupled with the collegial and collaborative environment, I am excited to see the positive impact Cornell has on our research program.

Twitter:

@hysterlab