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 who has made important discoveries in organic and materials chemistry. She is known for her work in developing new medicines and has received many awards, including the 2015 Perkin Medal, a top honor for chemists in the United States.
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Early Life and Education
Cynthia Anne Milewski was born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. She became interested in science and decided to study chemistry in college.
In 1972, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Drexel University. She then went to Princeton University to continue her studies. In 1976, she earned a Ph.D., which is the highest degree you can get in a subject, in organic chemistry. After earning her doctorate, she stayed at Princeton for another year as a postdoctoral fellow, doing advanced research with Professor Edward C. Taylor.
A Career in Science
In 1977, Maryanoff began her career as a scientist at a company called Smith, Kline & French Laboratories. She later moved to McNeil Pharmaceutical, which was part of the large healthcare company Johnson & Johnson.
Leading Drug Development
At Johnson & Johnson, Maryanoff became a leader. She was in charge of a department that took new medicines from the early stages of discovery to the point where they could be produced in large amounts. Her team figured out the best way to make these new chemicals and prepare them for testing in people.
Over her long career, she moved up through the company, eventually reaching the highest scientific job at Johnson & Johnson. In 2004, she joined Cordis, a part of Johnson & Johnson that makes medical devices. She retired in 2013 but has continued to work as a professor at the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute.
Major Accomplishments
Maryanoff has worked in both organic chemistry (the study of carbon-based molecules, which are the building blocks of life) and materials science (creating new materials with special properties). She has published over 100 scientific papers and is listed as the inventor on 67 patents. A patent gives an inventor the right to be the only one to make or sell their invention for a certain time.
She has helped create treatments for many different health problems. Some of the important medicines she helped develop include:
- Topamax: A medicine used to prevent seizures in people with epilepsy.
- Ultram/Tramadol: A pain reliever.
She also worked on new ways to deliver medicine, such as through skin patches. Maryanoff always points out that her success was a team effort, involving many other talented scientists.
Leadership and Recognition
Besides her research, Maryanoff has been a leader in the scientific community. She was very active in the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world's largest scientific society. In 1997, she became the first woman to be the chairperson of the ACS Division of Organic Chemistry.
She has been recognized as a fellow by several major scientific groups, including the American Chemical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Being named a fellow is a special honor given to members who have made outstanding contributions to science.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Cynthia Maryanoff has received many awards for her work. Some of the most notable ones include:
- Garvan–Olin Medal (1999): An award from the American Chemical Society given to outstanding women in chemistry.
- Earle B. Barnes Award for Leadership in Chemical Research Management (2005): A national award for her skill in managing scientific research teams.
- Elizabeth Bingham Award (2010): An award for her work in helping other women succeed in science.
- Perkin Medal (2015): One of the highest honors in American chemistry, recognizing her amazing work in applied chemistry.
She and her husband, Bruce E. Maryanoff, who is also a scientist, have also been recognized for their contributions to their community.
