PhD candidate Parker Staub wins ACS Pride Merck Graduate Research Award
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (11/22/2024) – Chemistry PhD candidate Parker Staub has been named a recipient of the ACS Pride Merck Graduate Research Award. This award from the American Chemical Society recognizes seven outstanding LGBTQIA2S+ researchers in STEM graduate programs each year.
Parker is a synthetic organic chemist in the Douglas Group. They joined the UMN Department of Chemistry in 2022 after completing their undergraduate studies in chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh. Their research focuses on developing synthetic methods for small molecules and applying them to the synthesis of medicinally relevant compounds. The project specifically aims to activate traditionally inert C-H bonds through the pairing of transition metal catalysts and chiral organocatalysts, which can set stereogenic centers. “Using the methodology I've developed, I have recently completed the synthesis of a potential Parkinson's disease/depression treatment! My family has a history of both, so I am excited that I got to apply my research towards causes that affect me and my loved ones,” Parker says.
In addition to his work in the lab, Parker is an active member of the leadership team for Queer Science, a student-led outreach group that brings free interactive science experiences to LGBTQIA2S+ youth in the metro-area. “Our goal is to show them how awesome science is while providing a safe space where the students feel welcomed and valued in their identities,” Parker says. “All of our volunteers hold LGBTQIA+ identities to affirm that these younger members of the community can succeed in science if they chose to pursue it!”
Parker says they have a lot of goals right now, but their main focus is getting their first first-author publication submitted. “Other short term science goals for me right now include making new, more efficient organocatalysts, training another undergraduate mentee, and preparing for a talk at ACS spring,” Parker says. “In general, I'm focusing on finding peace in life and being a supportive labmate, peer, and friend.”
“Sometimes it's difficult to know how my identity is perceived by the broader scientific community, especially in a time where LGBTQIA+ rights are uncertain,” Parker says. “Knowing that Merck and ACS are committed to uplifting scientists with identities such as mine makes me optimistic about the future of queer scientists.” The ACS Pride Merck Graduate Research Award annually recognizes up to seven individuals who present their research at an awards symposium held during the Spring ACS national meeting. Awardees receive a $1,500 stipend along with a one-year mentorship program that pairs them with an industry employee.