In both of these kinds of studies I collaborate with others.
Carbohydrates are very widespread in nature and diverse in their function.
In particular, certain aminosugars have potential as broad spectrum antibiotics and, in rare instances, as anticancer agents. I have done research on the development of photochemical and other techniques for the synthesis of appropriate aminosugars and related aminoacids. The study of reactions which organic ions undergo in the absence of solvent provides an important insight into the fundamental properties of the ions and also helps us to understand the role that solvent plays in solution-phase reactions. My research continues on the gas phase reactions of cations and anions by means of collisionally-activated decomposition mass spectrometry. Such results have uncovered new types of reactions and are prompting a change in our understanding of these ions and their reactions in solution.