Marilyn Whittemore

Note: We only received this text from Marilyn Whittemore.

I have been a synthesis chemist with Buckman Labs, a specialty chemical company in Memphis,TN, for ten years. My responsibilities include generating new molecules to explore new classes of chemistry, which are studied for the control of microorganisms. After a compound has been synthesized, it must be characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spec and/or IR. The use of computers to record data, search for alternative synthetic routes, and Internet access for information searching plays a big role in my job. Team spirit and cooperation are a must because the chemist working at the bench may develop a great molecule for a given purpose but he/she needs the help and support of many people before a product can be developed. As an example, I developed a series of compounds to be tested for antifungal activity, though somewhat effective, they were not good enough to be developed commercially.

Exploring alternative uses with our microbiologists and product development specialists, we were able to show these molecules could be used as potentiators, to make a biocide more effective (this means lower doses and less environmental impact by the biocide). Patents are written to protect our rights to the novel use of these compounds and field trials are begun to determine best applications. Other chemists work on refining the synthesis, for methods used in small scale lab batches may not be appropriate for plant production. We cooperate with the plant engineers to help refine the process. Other scientists determine toxicological effects of the molecule which might restrict use. We all have to work together to be most effective. I am co-author of ten patents which have been filed, two of which have been granted. Developing our first potentiator, was a true team effort and was very satisfying.

While working at Buckman, I earned a Master's degree from The University of Memphis. I was later offered a unique opportunity to pursue a doctorate degree full time while remaining at Buckman. I am the first doctoral candidate by distance in the Lehigh program. Lehigh University, in Bethlehem Pennsylvania, has established a Master's by satellite program to facilitate continued study by chemists working in industry. Lectures are viewed as they are ongoing in a specially designed classroom on the Lehigh campus and we can call in questions. Students fax their homework and FedEx their exams! My major professor is Dr. Ned Heindel, past president of the American Chemical Society. My dissertation involves synthesizing psoralens for the treatment of psoriasis. These compounds are interesting also because they have antifungal and antiviral properties. I will also do some studies to help define the mode of action at the cell receptor site.

My job allows me to be creative and to work with many interesting people. Scientists need to interact with each other and with nonscientists if they are to be effective in the corporate or academic environment. Buckman places a great emphasis on continuing education and on community involvement. One of my coworkers and I visit The Neighborhood School twice a month to do science experiments to show the children that science can be fun! For women considering going into science...... if you really want to direct your own research, you can do that more effectively if you earn a Ph.D. I have greatly enjoyed the creative aspects of my job and am given the freedom to explore projects of my own choosing. Being a synthesis chemist requires creativity, patience (things don't always work as expected), endurance (being able to stick with a project until completion) and a sense of fun.

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