Amanda M. Canfield, PhD

Synthesizing compelling arguments and applications for your patent portfolio needs

Amanda’s scientific expertise spans synthetic organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, catalyst driven methodology development, and synthesis of drug-like libraries. Amanda’s research at the University of Rochester focused on transition metal-catalyzed methodologies for direct access to heterocyclic and carbocyclic scaffolds. Prior to completing her PhD, Amanda worked as an undergraduate research assistant at St. John Fisher University working with organic reactions in ionic liquids and as a pharmaceuticals formulations research and development intern at Bausch Health Companies, Inc.

Amanda is an author on multiple peer-reviewed publications and presented her research at several national and regional conferences.

During her doctorate studies, Amanda was a Merck Future Talent Program Intern at Merck & Co., Inc., where she gained industry experience in medicinal chemistry working on the synthesis of bioisosteres. During this 12-week program, Amanda developed a transition metal-free three-component reaction for the synthesis of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-containing sulfonamides, where she published a research article on her findings.

Prior to joining McNeill PLLC, Amanda worked as a technical specialist and a patent agent at a large general practice firm, where she gained experience in prior art searching and drafting and prosecuting US and international applications.

Select Publications

“Library-Friendly Synthesis of Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-Containing Sulfonamides via a Transition Metal-Free Three-Component Reaction,” Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry, 13, 8, June 7, 2024 (coauthor).

“Dienes as Versatile Substrates for Transition Metal-Catalyzed Reactions,” Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 63, 20, March 4, 2024 (coauthor).

“Copper-Catalyzed Aerobic Aminooxygenation of Cinnamyl N-Alkoxycarbamates via Substrate-Promoted Catalyst Activation,” ACS Catalysis, 13, 10, April 28, 2023 (coauthor).

“Convergent Synthesis of Dihydrobenzofurans via Urea Ligand-Enabled Heteroannulation of 2-Bromophenols with 1,3-Dienes,” Organic Letters, 24, 31, July 29, 2022 (coauthor).