 | P.J. AlaimoAssociate Professor
Chemistry Curriculum Vitae Contact InformationTeaching and Research InterestsThe Alaimo research group is focused on the development of “green” synthetic methods for generating heterocycles of biological importance. Currently, the group is investigating the synthesis of dihydropyridinones, a class of nitrogen-containing heterocycles that have captured the interest of both chemists and biologists for their potential as potent and selective antibiotics, antifungal, and anti-tumor agents. In all of our work, we strive to develop methods that are environmentally benign, while generating the desired target molecules in high yield and with high stereoselectivity.
Dr Alaimo teaches a variety of courses in introductory organic, synthetic, physical organic, and bioorganic chemistry.
BiographyAs an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, Dr. Alaimo studied both chemistry and philosophy, earning his B.S. degree in 1994. He conducted undergraduate research under the direction of Prof. Brian P. Coppola, investigating regiodirecting effects in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions used in the synthesis of munchnones and imidazolium oxides. PJ earned his Ph.D. degree working with Prof. Robert G. Bergman at UC Berkeley (1994 – 1999). His graduate research was at the interface of physical organic and inorganic chemistry, studying the reaction mechanism of organometallic complexes undergoing unusual C-H bond activation reactions. Dr. Alaimo spent 1999 – 2004 as a Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation fellow and as an American Cancer Society fellow studying chemical genetics in the labs of Prof. Kevan Shokat at UC San Francisco. There he designed, synthesized, and tested PI (phosphatidylinositol) 3-kinase inhibitors, which are used to decode the cellular signaling pathways of this important enzyme class. He began his academic career as an assistant professor of chemistry at Seattle University in 2004, and was promoted to associate professor in 2010.
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