Chemistry, Culture, and Career - How RIT Shaped a Merck Scientist

Nnamdi Akporji '16 was drawn to RIT because of its unique atmosphere, which he experienced firsthand during a campus visit. "I really liked the culture," he explains. "It seemed like a very inclusive place to me from the start. There was a focus on experience outside of regular classes like co-ops and research and that was something that I hadn't really seen before. I also liked the amenities! The recreation center is amazing." This combination of a welcoming atmosphere, facilities, and an emphasis on practical experience set the stage for Nnamdi's academic journey, where he would go on to develop critical research skills under faculty mentorship.

Nnamdi ultimately landed in the chemistry program at RIT. "I had a knack for chemistry since high school and was curious to learn more about the possible career opportunities in this field," he explains. Once at RIT, Nnamdi discovered a passion for research. "I really liked the research experience and working closely with a professor. I worked with Dr. Hans Schmitthenner on the synthesis of a urea-based PSMA inhibitor for use in imaging agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) of prostate cancer. Our work was published, and the experience helped me when applying for graduate school and was crucial to my success in the long run."

Today, Nnamdi has established himself in the New York City area, working as a Senior Scientist in Process Chemistry at Merck & Co. in Rahway, New Jersey. Process Chemistry involves the research, development, optimization, and production of a chemical process into a commercial product.

Nnamdi explains, "When you first start off as a process chemist, you join a team that works on the synthesis and process optimization of potential drug candidates. The role involves extensive lab work, collaboration with third-party contractors and manufacturers, and assisting in scaling up processes.” As he gained experience, Nnamdi’s responsibilities expanded to include managing various aspects of drug manufacturing, from sourcing materials to contributing to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) filings and overseeing global manufacturing sites. "It's a great career if you have an interest in understanding how a drug goes from an idea to a product," Nnamdi concludes.

Nnamdi also engages in other activities at Merck such as recruiting new talent and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. His other duties include organizing symposiums at conferences like American Chemical Society (ACS) and participating in other scientific groups that influence the field.

Reflecting on his time at RIT, Nnamdi credits the university for instilling in him valuable skills. "Some skills I learned at RIT were independent research, collaboration, and developing a solid work ethic. These skills were crucial and carried me through my graduate studies and my professional career," he states.

Several faculty members played pivotal roles in shaping Nnamdi's academic and professional journey. He expresses his gratitude, saying, "Dr. Hans Schmitthenner was a fantastic mentor and I attribute a lot of my success to him in the research space. Also, Dr. Jeremy Cody and Dr. Christina Goudreau Collison were both fundamental in my understanding of organic chemistry. I am forever grateful to them."

For students aspiring to pursue a similar field, Nnamdi offers this advice: "Don’t be afraid to ask for help. In chemistry and a lot of other sciences, it is crucial to have some sort of research experience when looking to further your career. When you have an idea of the kind of career that you want to pursue, start looking at the requirements and how you can obtain them to put yourself in the best position to succeed."

Nnamdi's success story showcases the power of choosing the right educational environment, engaging with dedicated faculty, and developing crucial skills that translate directly to professional success. He concludes with an open invitation to students: "If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn!"