Science, Innovation, and Impact: Ken’s Mission at Pfizer
By Razil Fernandes, Written Communications Specialist
MSE alumnus Kenneth S. Ogueri (’20)
Kenneth S. Ogueri, a 2020 graduate of UConn’s Ph.D. program in materials science and engineering (MSE), is now a Principal Scientist at Pfizer where he focuses on drug design. He still remembers the rush he felt upon publishing his first lead-authored paper during his graduate studies. By the time he completed his Ph.D., Ken had authored an astounding 12 first-authored papers on advanced biomaterials and contributed to a total of 20 publications. He attributes this success to relentless effort, a supportive academic environment, and the skills he honed through active participation in workshops.
Ken chose UConn for his doctoral studies because of the opportunity to work under Dr. Cato Laurencin, who is a renowned expert in biomaterials, regenerative engineering, and drug delivery. UConn’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded education and exceptional research training also influenced his decision. The driving factor was the positive anecdotes from UConn alumni he worked with during a prior internship at the materials engineering company Saint-Gobain.
The MSE Ph.D. program formed the foundation for Ken’s research and academic growth. He says that classes like ‘Thermodynamics of Materials’, Transport Phenomenon in Materials Science, and ‘Polymer Properties’ provided him with an in-depth understanding of material behavior. He adds, “my advisor, Dr. Laurencin, played a key role. His guidance, encouragement and unwavering belief in my potential empowered me to excel, while his constructive criticism refined my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.”
Beyond Dr. Laurencin’s mentorship, two professors fortified Ken’s materials science foundation: Professors George A. Rossetti Jr., and Avinash M. Dongare. “Professor Rossetti illuminated complex transport mechanisms, clarifying material behavior. Professor Dongare revealed material responses to external forces, solidifying my grasp of structural integrity.” His Ph.D. committee members, Dr. Lakshmi Nair and Dr. Yusuf Khan, both associate professors in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the UConn Health Center, also provided invaluable guidance throughout his studies.
Currently, Ken works as a principal scientist at Pfizer Inc. “What drew me to this career path, and what sustains my passion, is the convergence of science, innovation and impact.” Ken helps create patient-centric medicine by bringing research into the drug delivery market. His contributions may improve cancer patients’ access to innovative therapies. Ken is also co-leading formulation development for a groundbreaking weight-loss medicine that would reduce diabetes and cardiovascular disease and enhance quality of life.
In addition to a Ph.D., Ken holds an MBA from the Rice School of Business. This exploration of the intersection of science, technology, and business expanded his expertise on the commercial aspects of research. Through this interdisciplinary education, Ken learned to translate research into industry applications, and communicate complex topics to diverse stakeholders.
Fun fact: Ken has an identical twin brother who is also a Ph.D.-level scientist! “We have often been mistaken for each other, but our careers have taken distinct paths,” he shares. While Ken is pioneering drug design at Pfizer, his brother works with Kenvue, formerly part of Johnson & Johnson. On the home front, Ken finds joy and inspiration from his loving family, especially his 14-month-old son, Kevin, whose curiosity already hints at a budding scientist in the making. Balancing a fulfilling career with cherished moments spent with his wife, son, and extended family, Ken is reminded daily of the importance of both professional passion and personal connections.
Ken shares a message for MSE students. He says, “attend conferences and seminars, network with alumni and professionals, and engage in extracurriculars like research projects, internships, and co-op programs.”
Ken highly recommends students join the UConn Materials Research Society (MRS) student chapter as well. While the Secretary of MRS, he organized workshops and facilitated dialogues. “Establishing relationships with professionals opened doors for research positions, collaborations, and conferences.”
Published: December 12, 2024
Categories: alumni, industry, news
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