















Education
MS (Organic), University of Pittsburgh | 2020
BS Chemistry (Organic), Rowan University | 2017
BA Physics (Astronomy), Rowan University | 2017
Research Experience
Research Assistant
Dr. Peter Wipf Research Group (2017-2020)
Research Assistant
Dr. Gustavo Moura-Letts Research Group (2014-2017)
Work Experience
Assistant Instrument & Safety Coordinator | 2013 – 2017
Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Assisted in laboratory equipment setup, maintenance, and repair. Assisted in laboratory safety checks and emergency equipment testing.
Student Laboratory Technician | 2013 – 2017
Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Assisted in lab preparations, equipment maintenance and repair, waste disposal, and laboratory clean-up.
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistant – Organic Chemistry
January 2020 – May 2020
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Conducted undergraduate Organic Chemistry lab.
Teaching Assistant – General Chemistry
August 2017 – May 2020
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Conducted undergraduate General Chemistry labs/recitation.
Teaching Assistant – Introductory Electricity & Magnetism
Spring 2015
Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Assisted students with in-class problems, aided teacher in class preparations, and conducted demonstrations.
Teaching Assistant – Physics I
Fall 2014
Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Assisted students with in-class problems, hosted tutoring sessions, and conducted demonstrations.
Tutor/Teaching Assistant – Organic Chemistry II
Summer 2014
Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Hosted tutoring sessions, assisted professor in lab and class preparations.
Publications

Abuse liability, antinociceptive, and discriminative stimulus properties of IBNtxA
Islam, A.; Rahman, M. A.; Brenner, M. B.; Moore, A.; Kellmyer, A.; Buechler, H. M.; DiGiorgio, F.; Verchio, V. R.; McCracken, L.; Sumi, M.; Hartley, R.; Lizza, J. R.; Moura- Letts, G.; Fischer, B.; Keck, T. M. Transl. Sci. 2020, acsptsci.0c00066.

Synthesis of 4-Nitrophenyl (2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl) Carbonate (NPTC) for N-Protection of L-Phenylalanine Ethyl Ester
Lizza, J. R. Org. Synth. 2020, 97, 96.

2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-1-yloxycarbonyl: A Protecting Group for Primary, Secondary, and Heterocyclic Amines
Lizza, J. R.; Bremerich, M.; McCabe, S. R.; Wipf, P. Org. Lett. 2018, 20 (21), 6760.

Solvent-Directed Epoxide Opening with Primary Amines for the Synthesis of β-Amino Alcohols
Lizza, J.R.; Moura-Letts, G. Synthesis (Stuttg). 2016, 49 (06), 1231.

Direct Synthesis of Cyanopyrrolidinyl β-Amino Alcohols for the Development of Diabetes Therapeutics
Lizza, J. R.; Patel, S. V.; Yang, C. F.; Moura-Letts, G. European J. Org. Chem. 2016, 2016 (30), 5160.

Novel biodegradable protonic ionic liquid for the Fischer indole synthesis reaction
Neuhaus, W. C.; Bakanas, I. J.; Lizza, J. R.; Boon, C. T.; Moura-Letts, G. Green Chem. Lett. Rev. 2016, 9 (1), 39.
Academic Distinctions
Elizabeth Baranger Excellence in Teaching Award | 2020
Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences Graduate Fellowship | 2017
Mark & Barbara Chamberlain Professional Medallion Award | 2017
Mark & Barbara Chamberlain Research Award | 2016
Skills
Organic Synthesis
- Synthetic Method Development and Optimization
- Natural Product Synthesis
- Drug Discovery and Design
- Organic Compound Characterization
- Air/Moisture Sensitive Reagent Handling
- Stench Chemical Handling
- Micro/Macro Scale Reactions
- Process Chemistry
- Chromatographic, Crystallization, and Distillation Techniques
Computer Software
- MestReNova Spectral Software
- Database (SciFinder/Reaxys)
- Autodesk AutoCAD/Inventor
- SolidWorks
- Microsoft Office
- Perkin Elmer ChemOffice
- WordPress
- Inventory/Database Management Software
- General Computer Troubleshooting
Technical
- Machining (Milling/Turning)
- Fabrication (Welding/Cutting/Casting)
- Scientific Glassblowing (Borosilicate)
- Electrical (Circuit Design/Specialized Online Process Controllers/Basic Wiring/Soldering)
- Computers (Custom Builds/Networking)
General
- Six Sigma Greenbelt Certified (MSI)
- Executive Management Certified (MSI)
- Laboratory Setup/Management
- Laboratory Equipment Maintenance/Repair
- Adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
- Team Building/Leadership
- Professionalism in Verbal Communication and Presentation
- Focused, Organized, and Efficient