Donna Huryn facts for kids
Donna M. Huryn is an American scientist who works with chemicals. She is a medicinal chemist and an organic chemist. This means she studies how to make new medicines and how carbon-based chemicals are structured and react.
She went to Cornell University for her first degree in chemistry. Later, she earned her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania.
What Dr. Huryn Does
Dr. Huryn teaches at the University of Pittsburgh's school of pharmacy. She also works with the chemistry department at the University of Pennsylvania. She leads a research group called the University of Pittsburgh Chemical Diversity Center.
Her research focuses on creating tiny molecules. These molecules can be used as drugs to help treat serious illnesses. She works on finding new ways to fight diseases like cancer, brain diseases, and infections.
Helping Women in Science
Dr. Huryn is passionate about helping more women succeed in chemistry. In 2019, she helped start the Empowering Women in Organic Chemistry Conferences. The goal of these conferences is to support and highlight the work of all people who are often overlooked in chemistry.
She noticed that not enough women were choosing or staying in careers in organic chemistry. These conferences give women leaders a chance to share their scientific discoveries. They also allow successful women in chemistry to share their stories. This helps others learn how they overcame challenges in their careers.
Writing and Editing
Dr. Huryn is also involved in publishing scientific work. She is an editor for two important journals: ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters and Organic Reactions.
She also helped write a textbook called Medicinal Chemistry. She co-authored an article titled "Medicinal Chemistry: Where Are All the Women?" This article was published in the ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters Journal.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Huryn is a fellow of the American Chemical Society. This means she is recognized as a very important member of this group of chemists. She has also received an award from the Philadelphia section of the American Chemical Society. She has held many important roles within the American Chemical Society at both local and national levels. In 2015, she was the Chair of the Division of Organic Chemistry.
