Donald Gauthier, Senior Principal Scientist at Merck Pharmaceuticals and UC Irvine Department of Chemistry alumnus (Ph.D. ‘95), has spent 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry developing innovative manufacturing processes for medicines. On Oct. 2, he returned to UCI to receive the School of Physical Sciences’ inaugural Dean’s Excellence in Industrial Leadership Award following an awards seminar.

The new award recognizes Physical Sciences alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields through work in the private sector. While academic research and accomplishments often receive recognition, the award highlights the scientific impact of alumni working in industry and the important role they play in advancing their disciplines.

“I thought it was important to recognize alumni who have gone on to have made significant scientific contributions in the private sector, which is where many of our graduates are employed,” said Seth Cohen, the Dean of the School of Physical Sciences. “It highlights the amazing research going on in industry and what an important role the private sector plays in advancing science and technology for the betterment of society.”

Gauthier, who earned his UC Irvine Ph.D. in organic chemistry, is an example of the broader impact that graduates of the School of Physical Sciences can have beyond the university.

“Throughout his career, Don has been essential to creating lifesaving medicines,” Cohen said. “That really is a projection of the scientific and societal impact of our School. It’s not just about research, innovation and accolades here at UCI, but what our graduates go on to do that impacts our community.”