Cynthia A. Maryanoff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cynthia Maryanoff
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| Born |
Cynthia Anne Milewski
November 27, 1949 |
| Alma mater | Drexel University, Princeton University |
| Awards | Perkin Medal (2015) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Organic and materials chemistry |
| Institutions | Johnson & Johnson |
| Doctoral advisor | Kurt Mislow |
Cynthia "Cyndie" Anne Maryanoff (born November 27, 1949) is an American chemist. She is known for her amazing work in organic and materials chemistry. In 2015, she won the Perkin Medal, a very important award for chemists in the U.S.A.
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Becoming a Chemist
Cynthia Anne Milewski was born on November 27, 1949, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. She later married Dr. Bruce E. Maryanoff.
She studied chemistry at Drexel University, earning her first degree in 1972. Then, she went to Princeton University and earned her Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1976. After that, she continued her research at Princeton for another year.
Working as a Scientist
Cynthia Maryanoff started her career at Smith, Kline & French Laboratories in 1977. In 1981, she moved to McNeil Pharmaceutical, which is part of Johnson & Johnson.
She became a leader in chemical and pharmaceutical development. From 2000 to 2004, she helped new medicines go from small tests to larger production. Her team also created ways to test these medicines and prepare them for human studies. She reached the highest scientific position at Johnson & Johnson.
In 2004, she joined Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company that makes medical devices. She worked there as a distinguished research fellow. Cynthia Maryanoff retired from Johnson & Johnson in 2013. After that, she became a Distinguished Professor at the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute.
Her Discoveries and Inventions
Maryanoff has done a lot of work in organic chemistry and materials science. She has written over 100 scientific papers and several books. She is also listed as an inventor on 67 U.S. or European patents. This means she helped create many new things!
She believes that big scientific achievements come from teamwork. As a scientist and team leader, she helped create many new drug candidates. These medicines can help with conditions like epilepsy, heart disease, and viral infections. Some of the well-known medicines she helped develop include Topamax for epilepsy and Ultram/Tramadol for pain.
Helping the Chemistry Community
Cynthia Maryanoff has been very active in the American Chemical Society (ACS). This is a big group for chemists in America. She was part of the Executive Committee for the Division of Organic Chemistry for many years. In 1997, she became the first woman to lead this division.
She also served on many other important committees. These include the Advisory Board of Chemical & Engineering News and the ACS Governing Board of Publishing. She has also helped review research proposals for other scientific groups.
Special Recognitions
Cynthia Maryanoff has received many awards for her important work. Here are some of them:
- Philadelphia Section Award from American Chemical Society (1991)
- Garvan–Olin Medal from the American Chemical Society (1999)
- Philadelphia Organic Chemists' Club Award (1999)
- Earle B. Barnes Award for Leadership in Chemical Research Management (2005)
- Henry F. Whalen, Jr. Award for Business Development (2007)
- Anthony J. and Heand Silvestri Award (2008)
- Ronald Mitsch Award (2008)
- Inducted into the Drexel 100 (2003)
- Elizabeth Bingham Award (2010)
- Hepatitis B Foundation Community Commitment Award (2015), with her husband
- Perkin Medal (2015)
- Paul G. Gassman Distinguished Service Award (2018)
- Drexel Golden Dragon Society Award (2022)
Memberships and Fellowships
- Member of the Philadelphia section of the American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Member of the Philadelphia Organic Chemists Club (POCC)
- Fellow of the American Institute of Chemists
- Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS): She was one of the first 162 members chosen for this honor.
