Synthetic organic chemistry has applications that span the breadth of contemporary science, ranging from materials chemistry to chemical biology. Our research focuses upon the development of new, small molecule, designer organic catalysts and novel asymmetric processes, the advancement of a mechanistic understanding of these transformations, and their application in synthesis. Current projects include the development of new catalytic cascade reaction processes using NHCs and isothioureas for the construction of stereodefined chiral building blocks with application to target products of medicinal interest. Alternative projects include the development of asymmetric pericyclic cascades for the synthesis of oxindoles.