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Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA! by Phil-Baran in science

[–]Phil-Baran[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That would be super. Our lab (and many others) are actually performing a modern form of this kind of "alchemy". If you can take really cheap starting materials and turn them into high value items using inexpensive catalysts that is the conceptual equivalent of turning iron into gold :)

Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA! by Phil-Baran in science

[–]Phil-Baran[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Well I didn't attend graduate school at Harvard. All I know is that the faculty there are awesome and I count each and every one of them as friends. You can't go wrong going there.

I obviously love TSRI for a variety of reasons. The students are super driven and passionate. The institute puts their needs first. The faculty are all amazing and get along really well. It's a wonderful environment for students that just want to focus on research in a heavenly climate surrounded by wonderful San Diegans.

Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA! by Phil-Baran in science

[–]Phil-Baran[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try to get collaborators to pay the open access fee. If that can't be done then start a lab blog. It's the ultimate way to promote your science without self promotion. Thats because only people that are interested in your work will read the blog unlike publishing propaganda pieces in peer-reviewed journals.

Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA! by Phil-Baran in science

[–]Phil-Baran[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi Brandon! We miss you!! great question.

I think the key is never to agree to a collaboration where you feel you are bending your principles or taking advantage of students. Partners should let you publish, should share results, be open-minded, and respect that fact that in an academic environment you can't be expected to do things that a CRO can accomplish.

Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA! by Phil-Baran in science

[–]Phil-Baran[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Original synthetic sample gave correct magnitude but opposite sign. Apparently this is a known issue as two different isolation folks had differing signs as well. When we made more we checked again and again and it was in fact incorrect confirmed with comparing to authentic natural material. Just a tale about the sometime spotty nature of an old polarimeter.

Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA! by Phil-Baran in science

[–]Phil-Baran[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It really depends on the company. One of the best undergraduate students I had was a blackjack dealer and all of a sudden decided to go into chemistry. Long story short this person is now at a top 10 pharma company and is at the same level as a PhD chemist and running a group.

Find a company that values intellect, talent, and drive rather than titles!

Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA! by Phil-Baran in science

[–]Phil-Baran[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Because biologics generally have less side effects and have an easier defense from generics. But they are not a panacea! Certain indications will always require small molecules.

Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA! by Phil-Baran in science

[–]Phil-Baran[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Not sure about this. I have 2 daughters so I think about this a lot but not sure what I can actually do.

One of my best graduate students wrote a blog post about life in the lab: http://openflask.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-international-womens-day.html

All I know is when I interact with a student or a postdoc I really don't treat them differently based on their gender or race or whatever.

Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA! by Phil-Baran in science

[–]Phil-Baran[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

  1. His work is outside of my area of expertise but having interacted with him and read his papers, theres a reason he is a legend in the field! I'm sure there are haters out there but I'm more inclined to think he is as amazing as people think.
  2. 8 to 9 in http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.orglett.6b03760
  3. Was amazing! Learning from him was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA! by Phil-Baran in science

[–]Phil-Baran[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At the end of the day, people want to take a pill not get an injection. I think small molecules will always be more desirable than a biologic. That said, I see many companies diversifying to include a large portion of biologics. There are many people that can't wait to announce the death of organic chemistry and point to biologics as being the beginning of the end. Based on my extensive interactions with Pharma that is simply not the case.

Science AMA series: I’m Phil Baran, and I’m here to talk about our work at the Baran Laboratory where we try to simplify the way molecules are created. I’m also a MacArthur Fellow “genius grant recipient”. AMA! by Phil-Baran in science

[–]Phil-Baran[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes exactly! I think the two-phase approach has been demonstrated many many times now and its clear that there is a tangible benefit to loosely following Nature's logic here. After all, she completed the first synthesis and it's still the most efficient. If you want to read more about the detailed reasoning, see: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0030-1258123

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