We are actively engaged in the pursuit of innovative solutions to the total synthesis of complex, biologically active natural products with relevance to issues of human health. The identification and realization of powerfully simplifying transformations and strategies in synthesis, which allow for rapid access to the target structure, is the principle driving force for our research program. During the course of our studies, researchers become acclimated to all facets of organic synthesis including: strategy-level synthetic planning, reaction discovery and optimization, organometallic synthesis, and small-molecule catalyst development. Being able to rapidly access complex targets in meaningful quantities and systematically alter their molecular structures in useful timeframes places us in a powerful position for further exploring structure/function relationships, target identification studies, and medicinal chemistry exploration.