Synthetic Organic Chemistry · Florida State University

Melchior
Lab

A research group dedicated to the synthesis of complex molecules and the development of new synthetic methodologies — advancing science for medicinal and agricultural applications, supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Luiz Paulo Melchior working at UNICAMP laboratory

Luiz Paulo at the synthesis bench — IQ/UNICAMP. Now at Florida State University as Postdoctoral Researcher.

8
Publications
10+
Years Research
3
Institutions
"To the field of synthetic chemistry belongs an array of responsibilities which are crucial for the future of mankind, not only with regard to the health and needs of our society, but also for the attainment of a deep understanding of matter."
— Elias J. Corey, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry

What We Do

Research Areas

⚗️

Complex Molecule Synthesis

Nature-inspired organic synthesis targeting pharmacologically active compounds, with development of new synthetic methodologies and novel reagents.

🧠

Medicinal Chemistry

Design of novel chemical entities for neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders — including Alzheimer's disease and depression.

🔬

Enantioselective Methodology

Development of enantioselective palladium-catalyzed methodologies, including the Heck–Matsuda reaction, for complex chiral scaffolds.

Recent Updates

Latest News

Interested in joining the lab?

We seek motivated students committed to organic chemistry and willing to work at the frontier of science.

About

Luiz Paulo M. Leão

Postdoctoral Researcher — Florida State University

Luiz Paulo Melchior de Oliveira Leão
Luiz Paulo Melchior de Oliveira Leão
Postdoctoral Scholar, Ph.D.
📍Tallahassee, FL, USA
📧lmo24b@fsu.edu
📞(+1) 448-230-0356
🎓IQ/UNICAMP, 2024
🇧🇷From Alfenas, MG, Brazil
🆔 ORCID: 0000-0002-8138-8398 🔬 SmithLab @ FSU 📄 Curriculum Vitae (PDF) 📧 Contact by Email
Organic Synthesis
Medicinal Chemistry
Total Synthesis
Pd-Catalysis
Heck-Matsuda Rxn
Drug Design

Biography

Luiz Paulo Melchior de Oliveira Leão was born in Alfenas, in January 1994. The son of a administrative assistant worker and a horticulturist, he learned from an early age the importance of knowledge and the value of life. Growing up next to the Federal University of Alfenas, he was surrounded by the city's academic environment, where he later completed his bachelor's degree in Biotechnology.

Passionate about Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, he became deeply captivated by the beauty of science and pursued his early scientific training in organic synthesis, with a focus on total synthesis and medicinal chemistry. He obtained his M.Sc. degree in 2020 from the same institution under the supervision of Danielle F. Dias, working on the synthesis of potentially bioactive natural product analogues.

In 2020, he continued his trajectory in organic synthesis by undertaking his Ph.D. at IQ/UNICAMP under the supervision of Carlos Roque Duarte Correia, where he worked on the development of enantioselective synthetic methodologies for the Heck–Matsuda reaction. After defending his thesis in 2024, he began his postdoctoral research at Florida State University under the supervision of Joel M. Smith, supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health.

Academic Education

2020–2024
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry
Universidade Estadual de Campinas — IQ/UNICAMP
Thesis: Development of new enantioselective methodologies for the Heck-Matsuda reaction. Supervisor: Prof. Carlos Roque Duarte Correia.
2018–2020
M.Sc. in Chemistry — Organic Synthesis
Universidade Federal de Alfenas — UNIFAL
Synthesis of potentially bioactive natural product analogues. Supervisor: Prof. Danielle F. Dias.
2014–2018
B.Sc. in Biotechnology, focus on Chemistry
Universidade Federal de Alfenas — UNIFAL
Focus on organic and biochemistry. Graduated June 2018.

Professional Experience

Oct 2024–Aug 2026
Postdoctoral Scholar — SmithLab
Florida State University, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Enantioselective Pd-catalyzed methodologies and total synthesis of complex heterocyclic natural products. NIH-funded. Supervisor: Prof. Joel M. Smith.

Awards & Distinctions

2022
Best Poster — 18th BMOS
Best poster at 18th Brazilian Meeting on Organic Synthesis. Work: The 2nd Generation of the in Tandem Enantioselective Heck-Matsuda Reaction Directly from Anilines.
2021
1st Place — Organic Chemistry, OBESQ 2021
First place in Organic Chemistry at the Brazilian Higher Education Chemistry Olympiad.
2013
Scholarship — Jovens Talentos para a Ciência
CNPq/CAPES 2013 Young Talent Researchers Program.
Research & Philosophy

Research & Philosophy

Synthesis at the intersection of inspiration, innovation and human health

Synthesis of Complex Molecules

Nature-inspired organic synthesis

Nature has already undertaken the task of designing the most fascinating and useful chemical structures for life through evolution. It is therefore up to us, as chemists, to develop innovative ways to transform what we know into something better for the benefit of humanity. In this context, this research group aims to advance organic synthesis by drawing inspiration from nature, through the synthesis of complex molecules, particularly those with proven or potential pharmacological activity. Inherent to this endeavor, the development of new synthetic methodologies and the invention of new reagents are also central objectives of this proposal.

Medicinal Chemistry: Neurodegenerative Diseases & Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Novel therapeutic agents for unmet medical needs

The increasing burden of neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders urgently demands the development of more effective therapies. In particular, Alzheimer's disease is projected to affect 157 million people by 2050. This group aims to design novel chemical entities grounded in medicinal chemistry and drug design to serve as chemotherapeutic prototypes for these diseases.

Scientific Philosophy

Philosophy of Science

"Enjoy the Ride — the synthesis of complex molecules is an art form that demands curiosity, persistence, and imagination."

This philosophy, written on the fume hood glass of the UNICAMP laboratory, reflects the spirit that drives every project in our group. We believe that the most impactful science emerges from rigorous methodology combined with creative thinking.

"Training the next generation of chemists is as important as the discoveries themselves."

We are committed to training rigorous, independent professionals. Students receive close mentoring and develop both experimental and theoretical skills for careers at the frontier of science.

Team

The Team

Graduate students and collaborators working at the frontiers of organic synthesis

Our group is built on a culture of collaboration, scientific rigor, and mutual support. In our research group, you can expect full commitment to your mentoring and support in developing your career — including rigorous scientific training and focus on developing professionals capable of working at the frontier of science.

We are looking for responsible and committed students who aspire to a career in organic chemistry.

Principal Investigator

Luiz Paulo Melchior de Oliveira Leão
Luiz Paulo Melchior de Oliveira Leão
Postdoctoral Scholar, Ph.D. — FSU / SmithLab

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from IQ/UNICAMP (2024), under Prof. Carlos R. D. Correia. M.Sc. from UNIFAL (2020). Currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at Florida State University, supervised by Prof. Joel M. Smith, funded by NIH.

Research focuses on enantioselective Pd-catalyzed methodologies (Heck–Matsuda reaction), total synthesis of complex heterocyclic natural products, and design of novel therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases.

Heck-Matsuda Pd-Catalysis Total Synthesis Drug Design UNICAMP Alumnus

Lab Members

Lab Members

Openings

The Melchior Lab at FSU is actively recruiting motivated students at all levels (undergraduate, M.Sc., Ph.D., and postdoctoral). We look for candidates who are passionate about organic chemistry, committed to scientific rigor, and willing to tackle challenging problems.

Interested? Send your CV and a brief statement of interest to lmo24b@fsu.edu

Join Our Lab

Responsible and committed students aiming for a career in organic chemistry are welcome.

Contact Us
Publications

Publications

Peer-reviewed research articles in synthetic and medicinal chemistry

For a complete and updated list, visit the ORCID profile or contact us directly.

Resources

Resources

Study materials, protocols, and reference documents for students

For Students

Lab Materials

Need something specific?

Contact us directly if you need a resource not listed here.

Contact the Lab
Teaching

Teaching

Teaching experience and philosophy

Experience

Teaching Assistant Experience

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that the best learning happens when students feel genuinely challenged and supported. My approach centers on active problem-solving: creating environments where students engage with reaction mechanisms, debate synthetic strategies, and build chemical intuition.

As an international student who navigated new academic cultures, I am particularly attentive to students from underrepresented backgrounds. I draw on extensive TA experience at UNIFAL and IQ/UNICAMP across general, inorganic, organic, and biochemistry courses.