UTSA Endowed and Named Chairs and Professorships   Profiles   The Robert A. Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry
UTSA Endowed and Named Chairs and Professorships
Oleg Larionov, Ph.D.
The Robert A. Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry
The Robert A. Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry was established by The Robert A. Welch Foundation in 2012. The Welch Foundation is one of the nation’s largest private funding sources for fundamental chemical research at universities, colleges, and other educational institutions in Texas. The endowment was created to support an active and effective research scientist of good standing to increase the level of basic scientific research in chemistry and allied health sciences at UTSA.

Oleg Larionov, Ph.D.

The Robert A. Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry

Professor, Chemistry

Oleg Larionov is advancing the areas of medicine and materials science through cutting-edge organic chemistry research. His research not only has an impact on major industries, but also helps propel UTSA’s vision to be a nationally recognized research institution.

Larionov’s research focuses on natural product synthesis and new chemical reaction development. His past projects include synthesizing plant-based compounds to be utilized as cancer treatments, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. His research output is extensive, with three book chapters and 70 peer-reviewed articles.

Larionov serves as the principal investigator on a National Institutes of Health-funded project. The project develops innovative synthesis methods, specifically for organic substances that contain sulfur. While these compounds play a critical role in drug discovery and materials science, they can be difficult to produce. Over the past few years, Larionov and his team have successfully created a framework for chemists to produce organosulfur compounds in a way that is efficient and reduces chemical waste.

Larionov completed his Ph.D. in chemistry from Gottingen University. He joined UTSA in 2010 as a Max and Minnie Tomerlin Voelcker Fund Fellow before being promoted to professor in 2021.