Dr Mark Greenhalgh

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick

Scientific Background

Research Interests

In the Greenhalgh group we are interested in developing new synthetic and catalytic methods, and the study of reaction mechanism. We are particularly interested in developing conceptually new and interesting modes of catalysis. We showcase the utility of these new catalytic methods through the synthesis of small molecules, which could be of interest for pharmaceutical, agrochemical or materials research. Most importantly we want to develop a deep mechanistic understanding of how these new processes work so that we, and others, can build upon these methods for new avenues of research and application.

Research Groups

Greenhalgh Research Group

Synthesis and Catalysis Cluster

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Individually tailored depending on the student and their experience.

Provision of Training

I take responsibility for core training, with additional skills developed over the course of the PhD through additional training from myself and other group members. Everyone has different prior experiences and so taking advantage of this collective knowledge is key for everyone’s development.

Progression Monitoring and Management

Over the course of a PhD, I expect students to take on increasing ownership of their projects so by the end they are able to plan and execute their work with minimal guidance. To support this process, I ask all students to provide fortnightly updates (1 side of A4) to help keep me, and the student, up-to-date with progress and be able to provide assistance when required. We have regular groups meetings where you can share and discuss your results with myself and the other group members. I also ask for formal 6-monthly reports to help keep on top of data generation and make the writing of your final thesis a much easier process. In addition to these formal processes, I am often around the lab/office for informal chats and operate an open-door policy to discuss any other queries or concerns.

Communication

Good communication is essential for lab safety and for supporting progress and development. I am often available in the lab/office, or otherwise operate an open-door policy. When not on site, I am contactable by email/phone and will always respond as soon as I can. I am always happy to discuss any issues that are affecting your work and happy to provide career development advice.

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

The meetings will be face to face and I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.

Working Pattern

Work in my lab requires being present on site during the core hours of 9-5, Monday-Friday. Work outside these hours is not expected, but students are welcome (and supported) to work beyond these hours if they choose to.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Light-Controlled Helical Oligomers as Bioinspired Platforms for Enantioselective Catalysis

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Light-Controlled Helical Oligomers as Bioinspired Platforms for Enantioselective Catalysis

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Fredrik Schaufelberger, Dr Sarah Pike

University of Registration: University of Warwick

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Structural Biology, Systems Biology)

Project Outline

Background

Catalysts are essential to the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, materials and energy-related products. However, many synthetic catalysts rely on scarce or precious metals, creating sustainability challenges. This has driven interest in metal-free catalytic systems that operate under environmentally benign conditions.

Synthetic helical oligomers, or foldamers, are bioinspired molecules that adopt folded structures reminiscent of proteins and DNA. Their helical chirality can create highly selective environments for asymmetric catalysis. However, unlike biological catalysts, most foldamer catalysts are structurally static and cannot regulate their activity in response to external stimuli.

In this project, we will build on recent work from the Pike Group on photoresponsive foldamers to develop novel light-regulated bioinspired catalysts. By incorporating photoswitchable units into helical foldamers, we will create catalysts whose conformation, chirality and catalytic activity can be reversibly controlled using light. These systems will provide new opportunities to mimic the dynamic behaviour of biological macromolecules while advancing sustainable approaches to asymmetric synthesis.

Objectives

Design and synthesise a library of photoresponsive foldamers with variations in topology, catalytic functionality and catalytic-site spacing.
Investigate how molecular structure influences folding, helical chirality and photoswitching behaviour.
Evaluate catalytic activity, enantioselectivity and light-controlled switching in asymmetric reactions.

Methods

The project combines synthetic organic chemistry with advanced structural and analytical characterisation, including NMR, circular dichroism, UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, chiral HPLC, and single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. These studies will establish structure-function relationships and enable the development of a new class of dynamic bioinspired catalysts.