LSU Chemistry Alumni
Rolanda Wilkerson
Where do our graduates go?
Our alumni are today’s pioneers in cutting-edge research at top chemical companies, universities, and colleges around the globe. They lead both as company presidents and academically as department chairs.
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Featured Alumni
Rooted in Louisiana, Rising in Chemistry
For LSU Chemistry alumna Dr. Danielle Songe Meador, Louisiana isn’t just home, it’s the heart of her journey, both personally and professionally. From her hometown of Meraux, just southeast of New Orleans, to her leadership role in the chemical industry, Meador’s path is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to leave your roots to grow.
Elizabeth Balapitiya
PhD, LSU (2015)
Sr. RD&E Group Leader, Nalco Water | An Ecolab Company
Science started as a culinary experience for LSU alumna Dr. Elizabeth (Conner) Balapitiya. Throughout her childhood, each new recipe was a project that helped her develop a taste for science. Learn what influenced her decision to pursue a career in chemistry and her advice for current and incoming graduate students. | Learn more
Matthew Bursavich
BS, LSU (1997)
PhD, University of Wisconsin in Madison (2002)
The drug discovery and development process is often challenged with low success and approval rates, but LSU Chemistry alum Matt Bursavich and his team at Morphic Therapeutic are utilizing innovative approaches to help reduce drug attrition and create best-in-class candidates. Learn how tenacity and collaboration are helping Bursavich and his team turn molecules into medicines. | Learn more
Sourav Chatterjee
PhD, LSU (2016)
Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Murry State University
In his laboratory at Murray State University, Dr. Sourav Chatterjee hopes to create novel monomers from a plant waste source and polymerize them, yielding polymers with enhanced recycling capabilities for various applications. | Learn more
Javoris Hollingsworth
PhD, LSU (2012)
Founder & Creator at Gracie's Corner
When LSU alumni Javoris Hollingsworth and Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth had difficulty finding diverse and representative educational media for their children to watch, they took matters into their own hands, creating the animated internet series Gracie's Corner. | Learn more
Barry Hugghins
BS Chemistry (1997) & BS Chemical Engineering (2001), LSU
CEO and President of Reliant Technologies
Barry Hugghins' journey followed an unconventional path. His story exemplifies how dedication and vision can lead to remarkable achievements at any age and in any order, ultimately fulfilling his dream of becoming an LSU alumnus. | Learn more
Charmaine Bienvenu Mamantov
BS, LSU (1956)
PhD, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Discover the remarkable story of LSU Chemistry alum Dr. Charmaine Bienvenu Mamantov (BS 1956). Her journey defied the norms of her time and paved the way for women in chemistry today. Dr. Mamantov’s journey inspires, highlighting the significance of mentorship, support, and bravery in following one’s passion. | Learn more
Simon M. Mwongela
PhD, LSU (2005)
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Georgia Gwinnett College
For LSU alumnus Simon Mwongela, cultivating a love of science was a home-grown affair. Learn more about Dr. Mwongela, his research, and how he is preparing the next generation of chemists. | Learn more
Jirun Sun
PhD, LSU (2006)
Professor, ADA Forsyth Institute
Through his journey, Dr. Jirun Sun remained driven by the goal of transforming research into practical solutions that can improve human health. Now a professor at the ADA Forsyth Institute, he leads innovative research in dental composites and pH-responsive biomaterials. | Learn more
Past Features
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Kristie Adams |
BS (LSU), PhD (LSU) President and CEO of Steelyard Analytics |
Dr. Adams is the President and CEO of Steelyard Analytics, the US daughter company of Spectral Service AG, based in Köln, Germany. Her story demonstrates resilience, passion, and determination. She never gave up on her dream and continues to change the world, one NMR sample at a time. | Read more |
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Kenneth G. Kneipp |
BS (Tulane 1966), PhD (LSU 1971) Retired from 3M Company, St Paul, Minnesota |
Ken Kneipp received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Tulane University in 1966. A summer research experience at LSU in 1964 with Professor Bill Pryor inspired him to pursue graduate school in chemistry at LSU. Dr. Kneipp spent more than three decades with 3M, a company with thousands of products spread across diverse global markets. He is now retired and living in New Orleans, where he is involved in a variety of civic and volunteer activities. | Read more |
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Marc Loudon |
BS (LSU 1964), PhD (University of California at Berkeley 1968) Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Sciences, Purdue University (retired) |
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, a young Marc Loudon was a talented pianist and an aspiring musician. However, a high school chemistry teacher from Baton Rouge High, Mr. Hargrove, encouraged Loudon to pursue chemistry in college. In 1960, Loudon graduated from Baton Rouge High and enrolled at Louisiana State University as a chemistry major. | Read more |
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Andrés Villalpando |
BS (Whittier College), PhD (LSU 2016) Plant Chemist, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Chemical Plant |
Near LSU’s main campus is ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Chemical Plant. Each year, the plant produces millions of gallons of isopropyl alcohol (IPA), a key ingredient in many disinfectant sprays, alcohol wipes, and medical hand sanitizers. In fact, ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Chemical Plant is home to the largest IPA production in the world. LSU Chemistry alumnus Andrés Villalpando serves as Plant Chemist for the IPA unit at the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Chemical Plant. | Read more |
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Rolanda Wilkerson |
BS (Southern University), PhD (LSU 2004) Principal Scientist and Senior Manager of Scientific Communications in Beauty Care at Procter & Gamble |
Rolanda Johnson Wilkerson has an innate passion for beauty care as well as science. She is a Principal Scientist and Senior Manager of Scientific Communications in BeautyCare at P&G and has had the pleasure of working on skin and hair care brands such as Olay, Secret, Venus, Pantene, Clairol, Head and Shoulders and Pantene. | Read more |