With support from the Chemical Synthesis Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Gojko Lalic at the University of Washington is studying the development of new reactions for the synthesis of organic molecules using organoboron compounds and transition metal catalysis. The project is advancing more efficient transformations of common starting materials into more valuable targets, complementing existing methods. These reactions are providing a new approach to forming carbon-carbon bonds, critical for constructing large organic molecules. Beyond practical applications in organic synthesis, the fundamental properties and reactivity of organoboron compounds are being investigated and expanded in these studies. An essential part of the project is its outreach initiative, which fosters connections with the local community. Dr. Lalic's team engages elementary and high school students through activities that inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Organoboron compounds are valuable synthetic building blocks due to their availability, stability, and versatile reactivity. Continued advances in the synthetic applications of these compounds is critically important to support the pharmaceutical industry, medicinal chemistry, the synthesis of agrochemicals, and material science. Prof. Lalic and his research team are creating more effective tools for synthesizing complex organic molecules by exploring two new classes of chemical react