Chemistry: a modern American dream

Bringing Chemistry to Life

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There are exciting stories of life-changing experiences thanks to science, or through science. And then there is Osvaldo’s story. Osvaldo Gutierrez, now assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at University of Maryland, could not really foresee his future as an award-winning chemist when, as a child, he left Mexico to move to the United States.

This episode tells an inspiring story of personal development through hard work, perseverance and talent – a real and modern American dream. But it’s not just a tale of a kid from humble origins becoming an accomplished chemist and a role model for the younger generations, this is also a story of scientific excellence. Paolo and Osvaldo discuss the present and future of catalysis, how base metals such as iron could displace precious metals but also offer novel options for synthetic organic chemists and how combining computational and experimental chemistry is a promising way to gain the fundamental understanding necessary to introduce some much-needed innovations in modern organic synthesis.

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About Your Host

Born and raised in Italy, Paolo Braiuca, a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, co-founded a startup company after conducting research in biocatalysis in Italy and the UK. He transitioned from R&D to business development, working in commercial, product management, and marketing roles in the specialty chemicals, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical markets in Germany and the UK. A busy father of four, if asked, he’ll call himself a “maker” at heart and enjoys inventing electronic devices in his free time.