Miguel Villegas Sanchez

Miguel Villegas Sanchez was born and raised in Merced, California. He attended Merced College before transferring to the University of California, Merced, where he initially pursued a degree in Physics before discovering his passion for chemistry and changing his major to Chemistry with a minor in Physics. His interest in chemistry began during his junior year of high school after taking an introductory organic chemistry and biochemistry elective. That interest continued to grow through his organic chemistry coursework at Merced College and was further strengthened by studying inorganic chemistry and completing a graduate level course in organometallic chemistry at UC Merced. These experiences triggered his fascination with reaction mechanisms, catalytic cycles, and iron catalysis.

Miguel's long term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in inorganic or organometallic chemistry and contribute to the development of new catalysts and sustainable synthetic methodologies. Outside of the laboratory, he enjoys learning about new areas of chemistry, building computers, discovering new music, and spending time with family and friends. He is always looking for new artists and albums to explore, but Kendrick Lamar remains his favorite.

"Do not go gentle into that good night;

Old age should burn and rave at close of day.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

— Dylan Thomas