Post Doctoral Fellow in Chemistry (2012-2014) Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Advisor: Professors Cynthia M. Friend and Robert J. Madix Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry (2006-2012) University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI Advisor: Professor Melanie S. Sanford Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (2002-2006) University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

Inorganic Chemistry

The Stowers laboratory has research interests that span inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry in the aim of understanding and improving catalysts. Inorganic Heterogeneous Catalysis: We plan to synthesize new catalysts to activate Carbon Dioxide. We aim to use readily available transition metals such as Nickel and Iron.

Organic Chemistry with Carbon Dioxide: We aim to react carbon dioxide with other hydrocarbons to form carboxylic acid products such as acrylic acid, succinic acid and adipic acid.

Physical Chemistry and Surface Science: We aim to closely study new synthesized catalysts in ultra high vacuum to ultimately design new catalysts, optimize reactions, and improve catalyst efficiency.

Wang, L.C.; Stowers, K. J.;Zugic, B.; Baumer, M.; Biener, M.M.; Biener J.; Friend, C. M.; Madix, R. J. Methyl ester synthesis catalyzed by nanoporous gold: from 10-9 Torr to 1 atm Cat. Sci. Tech., 2015, 5, 1299-1306

Stowers, K. J.; Madix, R. J.; Friend, C. M. From model studies on Au(1 1 1) to working conditions with unsupported nanoporous gold catalysts: Oxygen-assisted coupling reactions. J. Catal. 2013, 308, 131-141.

Stowers, K. J.; Kubota, A.; Sanford, M. S. Nitrate as a redox co-catalyst for the aerobic Pd-catalyzed oxidation of unactivated sp3-C–H bonds. Chem. Sci. 2012, 3, 3192-3195.

Stowers, K. J.; Fortner, K. F.; Sanford, M. S. Aerobic Pd-Catalyzed sp3 C−H Olefination: A Route to Both N-Heterocyclic Scaffolds and Alkenes. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011, 133, 6541-6544.

Stowers, K. J.; Sanford, M. S. Mechanistic Comparison Between Pd-Catalyzed Ligand Directed C–H Chlorination and C–H Acetoxylation. Org. Lett. 2009, 11, 4584-4587.

Desai, L. V.; Stowers, K. J.; Sanford, M. S. Insights into Directing Group Ability in Palladium-Catalyzed C–H Bond Functionalization. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008, 130, 13285-13293.

Balija, A. M.; Stowers, K. J.; Schultz, M. J.; Sigman, M. S. Pd(II)-Catalyzed Conversion of Styrene Derivatives to Acetals: Impact of (−)-Sparteine on Regioselectivity. Org. Lett. 2006, 8, 1121-1124.