Christopher J. DeAngelis was born and raised outside of the Atlanta area in the suburbs of Suwanee, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia in the Fall of 2016 and completed his B.S. in chemistry in the Spring of 2020. He went on to pursue his Ph.D., with a concentration in organic synthesis, at UGA, under the direction of Dr. Christopher G. Newton, developing new reactions within the realm of pericyclic chemistry. Upon completing his degree in the Fall of 2025, Chris has since relocated to the Panama City area to serve as chemistry teaching faculty for FSU-PC’s 2026–2027 academic year.
Outside of chemistry, Chris is an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Buffalo Bills football teams. He also enjoys weightlifting, cooking, golfing, and especially fantasy football.
CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
• Advisor: Christopher G. Newton
• Committee members: Todd C. Harrop & Eric M. Ferreira
• Thesis: Synthesis of Aza-Heterocycles and Medium-Sized Rings via Furan Diels–Alder Chemistry
B.S., Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 2020
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Advisor: Christopher G. Newton
• Pioneered initial research activities as a founding member of Newton laboratory
• Demonstrated advanced proficiency in manipulation of air- and moisture-sensitive reagents and intermediates, to ensure reproducibility of synthetic procedures
• Led recommissioning of Newton lab glovebox
• Developed strong background in synthesis and characterization of small molecules (e.g., NMR, IR, SC-XRD)
• Maintained high-usage laboratory infrastructure (e.g., solvent purification system and Kugelrohr apparatus)
• Communicated research effectively through regular presentations to both advisor and colleagues
• Contributed scientific rigor through peer-review support of submitted manuscripts
• Led and mentored junior colleagues and regularly provided suggestions for troubleshooting, and best practices in organic synthesis
• Applied strong critical-thinking and troubleshooting skills to resolve routine challenges in organic synthesis
• Well-versed with a wide variety of organic named reactions, confidently recalling both common and obscure transformations in organic synthesis
TEACHING AND MENTORING
Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
• Instructed and supervised undergraduates in organic laboratory courses, promoting a safe and engaging environment
• Proctored and graded exams for main sequence organic chemistry university courses
• Hosted optional review sessions for undergraduates in preparation for laboratory final exam
Undergraduate Mentor, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
• Trained a highly motivated undergraduate on modern laboratory techniques in organic synthesis
• Advised the student on experimental design, troubleshooting, and routine day-to-day planning
• Assisted the student in interpreting and communicating of complex results
Chemistry Peer Tutor, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
• Served as a peer-tutor in general and organic chemistry through the Division of Academic Enhancement
• Conducted exam review sessions of varying sizes, including private tutoring sessions
• Utilized pedagogical strategies to simplify complex chemistry concepts for undergraduates
PUBLICATIONS
- DeAngelis, C.J.; † Goyal, G.;† Liss, M.J.;† Budwitz, J.E.; Herlihy, M.S.; Conner, A.V.; Wheeler, S.E.; Ma, P.; Li, M.; Houk, K.N.;* Newton, C.G.* Ketenimines as Aza-Dienophiles. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 6087–6094.
- DeAngelis, C.J.; Newton, C.G.* Hetero-Diels–Alder Reactions of (Isobenzo)furans. Org. Biomol. Chem. 2025, 23, 9781–9796.
SEMINARS/PRESENTATIONS
- Ketenimines as Aza-Dienophiles. Presented at Pfizer Organic Chemistry Connect Virtual Symposium, November 12th, 2025; Invited Talk.
- Synthesis of Aza-Heterocycles and Medium-Sized Rings via Furan Diels–Alder Chemistry. Presented at Ph.D. Defense, Athens, GA, November 7th, 2025.
- Aza-Diels–Alder Reactions of Furans. Presented at Departmental Research Seminar, Athens, GA, April 17th, 2025.
- N-Aryl Ketenimines are Reactive Aza-Dienophiles. Presented at Florida Heterocyclic and Synthetic Chemistry Conference, Gainesville, FL, March 11th, 2024; Poster.
- Reductive Cross-Coupling: From Humble Beginnings to a Dynamic Revival. Presented at Departmental Literature Seminar, Athens, GA, November 17th, 2022.
DEPARTMENTAL SERVICE AND OUTREACH
Co-Outreach Coordinator, Newton Lab, University of Georgia
• Assisted in organizing educational lab visits for high school students, in the hope of inspiring students to pursue a future in science
Department Representative for Visiting Prospective Graduate Students, University of Georgia
• Conducted tours of department facilities and research laboratories for prospective students
• Escorted prospective students to and from meetings with department faculty
Open-access Education Tools
• Co-developed 120 organic chemistry “Named Reaction” flash cards: newton-lab.org/flashcards
AWARDS
Poster Prize Recipient, Gainesville, FL
• Florida Heterocyclic and Synthetic Chemistry Conference
Graduate School’s Domestic Travel Grant, Athens, GA
• University of Georgia Graduate School