Dr. Iafe earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from UCLA in 2011 and joined the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at CSUSM in Fall 2014, after his tenure as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the WM Keck Science Department at the Claremont Colleges. At CSUSM, Dr. Iafe is an Associate Professor and teaches classes in organic chemistry (CHEM 200, CHEM 201, Chem 201L, Chem 202, Chem 202L, Chem 502).
Advisor
Teaching/Postdoctoral Scholar, 2011–2014, W.M. Keck Science Department, Claremont Colleges, Claremont, CA
Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, 2011, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
M.S., Computational Chemistry, 2008, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
B.S., Chemistry, 2004, Cum Laude, Honors, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
*To enroll in CHEM 399/CHEM 499, you must go through the Department's application process. CHEM 697/CHEM 698 is restricted to Chemistry MS students. Prospective undergraduate and M.S. researchers are encouraged to contact Prof. Iafe at riafe(at)csusm.edu. Prospective M.S. students should apply to the graduate program at CSUSM. Individuals seeking to join the Iafe lab should expect to undergo a rigorous selection process that includes submission of relevant application materials and an in-person interview.
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LinkedIn - Iafe Lab
Twitter - SciComm
David Connell. Major: Chemistry MS
David's current research involves total synthesis of synergistic cipro analogs. Outside of academic life, he enjoys working out, hiking, and dancing.
Amanda Smolin. Major: Chemistry MS Candidate
Roberto Leon Baxin. Major: Biochemistry
Emily Lyon. Major: Chemistry (Hologic Summer Scholar)
I'm a chemistry major with a minor in literature and writing. When I am not studying, I am either reading a book or hanging out with my friends and family.
Amanda Melanese. Major: Chemistry (ACS Division of Organic Chemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Scholar)
Following my undergraduate studies at CSUSM, I plan on obtaining a Ph.D. in organic chemistry to ultimately work with drug development in the pharmaceutical industry. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, discovering new workouts, and traveling.
Diego Orea. Major: Biochemistry (TRIO McNair Scholar)
I am currently working towards my bachelors degree and am expecting to graduate in the spring of 2021. In the future I plan to pursue a PhD in chemical biology. During my spare time I enjoy playing soccer, trying new foods, and learning trivia facts.
Jaida Osman. Major: Biochemistry (U-RISE Scholar, Caltech WAVE Fellow)
I am a transfer student from Palomar College majoring in biochemistry. I plan to pursue a PhD in organic chemistry and eventually work in academia where I can help to serve underrepresented students. In my free time I enjoy drawing and woodburning art, spending time with my loved ones, and listening to new music.
Kaylee Shoemaker. Major: Biochemistry (CSUPERB Presidents' Commission Scholar)
I enjoy traveling and trying new foods. I like to spend my free time outdoors hiking or at the beach. A goal of mine after undergrad is to attend graduate school and obtain a PhD.
Leeluleilani Stockton. Major: Biochemistry (CSUPERB Presidents' Commission Scholar)
After earning my Bachelor’s, I plan on pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry/biochemistry and ultimately work in the environmental or agricultural chemistry field. My hobbies include cooking and baking, going to beaches and farmers markets, and listening to alternative/indie music.
Sidney Vargas. Major: Biology, Minor: Chemistry
I am currently a junior. I plan to pursue my masters after graduation and do research on the chemistry of environmental degradation and human impacts on different ecosystems. I enjoy traveling, studying, and spending my free time observing nature.
Madison Wagner. Major: Chemistry (Fenstermaker Foundation Summer Scholar)
I am currently pursuing a bachelor in chemistry with a minor in math. After my undergraduate studies, I plan to obtain my Ph.D. in organic chemistry in order to become a researcher in the pharmaceutical field. During my free time, I enjoy cooking, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with my family and many animals.
Tamara El-Hayek Ewing. Major: Chemistry MS
Tamara is working in the Dr. Schmidt lab and collaborating in the Dr. Iafe lab. Her
current research involves organometallic-catalyzed synthesis mechanisms and triphenyl
phosphine gold and silver catalytic system characterization. Outside of academic life,
she enjoys hiking and creating science art.
Iafe Lab Alumni
Development Chemist - PolyPeptide Group
SVM Chemist - Versum Materials
Manufacturing Associate III – Illumina
PhD Student – Boston University PhD Student – Scripps Research Institute
Research Associate – Gilead Sciences
PhD Student – George Washington University PharmD student – UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy
HS Science Teacher – Irvine Unified Medical School – University of Missouri
PhD Student – UCSD Analytical Chemist – Versum Materials
PhD student – University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Medical school – UCR Pharmacy Technician – Scripps Health PhD student – University of Michigan Ann Arbor MS UCSD 2019. Supervisor, Bioanalytical Chemistry – MicroConstants MS Student – SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program Laboratory Technician – MilliporeSigma PhD Student – Princeton University
Laboratory Technician – Wildcat Discovery Technologies Pharmacy School – Loma Linda University
Manufacturing Associate I – Illumina Laboratory Technician – Wildcat Discovery Technologies Production Chemist I – Abbott Laboratories
Manufacturing Associate II – Illumina Formulation Scientist I – Thermo Fisher Scientific
Substitute Teacher - EUHSD
PT Aide - All Star Physical Therapy Sports Medicine
University of California Berkeley
Medical School - University of Missouri
Medical School - UC Davis.
