About
David Tan Chemistry BSc University of Bristol
I am currently a Year 3 undergraduate Chemistry student at the University of Bristol. My long-term research interests focus on areas such as photochemistry, skeletal editing, and total synthesis.
Why I enjoyed organic chemistry
My interest in organic chemistry began during my A-level studies through preparation for the UK Chemistry Olympiad (UKChO), where I was introduced to reaction mechanisms, synthetic strategies, and the logic behind molecular transformations. This experience motivated me to explore chemistry beyond the syllabus, initially through classical organic chemistry textbooks such as Clayden Organic Chemistry, Organic synthesis : the disconnection approach, Classics in Total Synthesis I, II, and III, and later through research articles to understand recent developments in specialised areas, including photochemistry and catalytic methodology.
Academic Background and Research Experience
Throughout my undergraduate studies, I have achieved First-Class results in both my first and second years. Alongside my academic studies, I have gained research experience in the Noble Group since January 2026. My research initially focused on aerobic carbon-to-nitrogen skeletal editing of cyclic ketones, before moving to photoinduced olefin coupling using Hantzsch ester during my summer research project, supported by an RSC Undergraduate Research Bursary. This experience has provided me with the idea of the workflow of synthetic methodology research, including reaction optimisation, condition screening, substrate scope, and mechanistic studies. I will continue developing this coupling methodology as my third-year undergraduate research project.
Teaching Experience
Beyond research, teaching has also played an important role during my undergrad studies. I have accumulated more than 300 hours of one-to-one online teaching experience, preparing students for UKChO and Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, with cumulative outcomes of 10 Gold and 5 Silver awards. This experience has deepened my understanding of chemistry in great more details and developed my ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and logical manner. Teaching has also encouraged me to discuss Olympiad questions from different perspectives.