 MacMillan's graduate studies culminated in the total synthesis of 7-(−)-deacetoxyalcyonin acetate, a eunicellin deterpenoid isolated from soft coral "Eunicella stricta".Upon receiving his Ph.D., MacMillan accepted a position with Professor David Evans at Harvard University.His postdoctoral studies centered on enantioselective catalysis, in particular, the design and development of Sn(II)-derived bisoxazoline complexes (Sn(II)box).