MSc. Chemistry Candidate — Lautens Group

Myles
Ma

Synthetic organic chemist specializing in transition-metal-catalyzed reactions and heterocycle synthesis. From medicinal indoles to asteroid sample curation — driven by curiosity at every scale.

Portrait
F

Focus

Organometallic Methodology

Research & Publications

Publications and ongoing research spanning synthetic organic chemistry, astromaterial science, and public health.

Manuscript in Preparation In Progress

Accessing Versatile 3-Alkynylindole Scaffolds through a Copper Promoted Process

Developing copper-promoted methodology for versatile indole scaffold construction under Dr. Mark Lautens at the University of Toronto.

Organometallic Heterocycles Indole Synthesis
Hayabusa 2024 Symposium 2024

The Advancement of Cleaning Procedures for the Curation of the Bennu Sample at the Canadian Space Agency

R&D on cleaning protocols and solvent compatibility for ISO 5 & 7 cleanroom handling of the OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Bennu sample.

Astromaterials OSIRIS-REx Cleanroom R&D
J. Org. Chem. 2022

2-Oxa-5-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane as a Platform for Functional Diversity: Synthesis of Backbone-Constrained γ-Amino Acid Analogues

Synthesis of constrained γ-amino acid analogues exploring novel medicinal scaffolds, conducted under Dr. Stephen Hanessian at the Université de Montréal.

Medicinal Chemistry Amino Acids Bicyclic Scaffolds
J. Global Health 2020

COVID-19 in Canada: A Self-Assessment and Review of Preparedness and Response

A peer-reviewed assessment of Canada’s early pandemic preparedness and public health response, published in the Journal of Global Health.

Public Health Epidemiology Policy Review

Career Journey

2025 – Present

Research & Teaching Assistant

University of Toronto — Lautens Group

Conducting transition-metal-based synthetic organic research under Dr. Mark Lautens as part of the MSc. Chemistry program, with a publication in progress. Teaching assistant for CHM 135 & 136.

2025 – Present

MSc. Chemistry Candidate

University of Toronto

Graduate research under Dr. Mark Lautens. Focused on transition-metal-catalyzed synthetic organic chemistry with a publication in progress.

2024

Laboratory Asst. for Astromaterial Curation

Canadian Space Agency

R&D on ISO 5 & 7 cleanroom components for OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Bennu sample curation. Drafted SOPs and supporting documentation, and assisted in judging the Canadian Aqualunar Challenge.

2023

Junior Synthetic Chemist

TLC Pharmaceutical Standards Ltd.

Prepared, monitored, purified, characterized and scaled up synthetic organic chemistry reactions across seven research projects. Led the redesign and documentation of the lab chemical inventory.

2022

Laboratory Technician

Advanced Electrophoresis Solutions Ltd.

Prepared chemical solutions and performed QC for protein separation cartridge testing, adhering to SOPs and established protocols towards an ISO 9001:2015 certification. Designed and 3D-modelled components for lab-related projects.

2020 – 2025

BSc. Honours Medicinal Chemistry (Co-op)

University of Waterloo

Graduated with Distinction. Canadian Society for Chemistry accredited program. Recipient of the IDEAL Scholar Gold Medal, President's Scholarship, and John Franklin Scholarship.

2021 – 2022

Visiting Research Student

Université de Montréal — Hanessian Group

Conducted research on the synthesis of medicinal indole derivatives under Dr. Stephen Hanessian, leading to a publication in the Journal of Organic Chemistry.

Let's Collaborate

Open to research collaborations, opportunities, and conversations about synthetic chemistry.

Get in Touch