Professor of Chemistry at Columbia University with expertise in synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, molecular design, synaptic imaging, neuropharmacology, and experimental therapeutics. Led new conceptual advances in chemical synthesis (C-H bond functionalization), developed fluorescent false neurotransmitters (FFNs), elucidated the mechanism of action of antidepressant tianeptine, expertise in iboga alkaloid and mitragynines chemistry and pharmacology.