Jim Canary’s research combines synthetic chemistry, stereochemistry, and DNA biophysics. He is especially known for stereodynamic molecular probes and switches. Recently, his main focus has been on designing, synthesizing, and characterizing functional nanostructures where DNA acts as a scaffold and organic or inorganic moieties provide function in a stereochemically controlled environment. His work can be described as Chemical Biology, as he employs biological and chemical tools to reach chemical objectives.
The lab unites interdisciplinary scientists focused on controlling the physical properties of materials through noncovalent interactions, stereochemistry, and molecular dynamics. They utilize molecular modeling, including computational and graphical techniques, to strategically design molecules with new chemical properties. The research team includes synthetic chemists, crystallographers, and others. He has collaborated with Dr. Ruojie Sha, a worldwide leader in structural DNA nanotechnology, for over 25 years. Several other collaborations with electrical engineers, physicists, and others have led to studies of materials with potential applications in molecular electronics, photonics, and magnetic materials. The team is working on the synthesis of quantum materials, such as topological insulators and qubits.
Professor Canary earned his Ph.D. under Donald Cram at the University of California, Los Angeles. He joined the New York University faculty in 1991 after completing an NIH postdoctoral fellowship with Ronald Breslow at Columbia University. He teaches undergraduate and graduate organic chemistry. He has held several leadership roles at NYU and within the broader scientific community. He enjoys many outdoor activities, including caring for a bass pond in his backyard.