Dr. Ross J. Adams

Ph. D., University of Liverpool, 2025

M. Sci, University of Bristol, 2021

Ross was raised in the picturesque Kent countryside, in the small town of Biggin Hill, and attended Charles Darwin School for both his middle and high school education. He earned his MSci from the University of Bristol and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Liverpool under the supervision of Professor John Bower. His doctoral research focused on palladium-catalyzed aza-Heck-initiated cascade reactions and studies toward the synthesis of indole alkaloids. After completing his Ph.D., Ross decided it was time to hop across the pond and experience life in the U.S., joining the MacMillan lab in October 2025. Outside the lab, Ross enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, watching Formula 1, and running.

Fun Facts

• Upon arriving in the U.S., Ross won his first-ever Parkrun—though he tends to leave out the detail that there were only fourteen other runners.
• A huge animal lover, Ross has five cats and a little Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Gracie back home.
• Ross once worked as a caterer on the set of Bohemian Rhapsody, and his claim to fame is handing Rami Malek a croissant.