Bernadette Donovan-Merkert

Bernadette Donovan-Merkert serves as Dean of the Klein College of Science and Professor of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The college encompasses Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics and Optical Science departments plus the Botanical Gardens.

Her academic foundation includes:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Duke University
• Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Vermont
• Postdoctoral research at Dartmouth College and University of Texas at Austin

Her research specializes in electrochemically induced reactions of organometallic complexes, bridging inorganic and physical chemistry with applications in molecular reaction mechanisms. This work establishes her expertise in electrochemical synthesis and organometallic reaction pathways.

Her distinguished honors include:

• Fellow of the American Chemical Society
• Finalist for UNC Charlotte's Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence
• Recipient of the Harshini V. de Silva Graduate Mentor Award

As an academic leader, Donovan-Merkert chaired Chemistry for 18 years, founded the Nanoscale Science Ph.D. program, and championed the 2021 science building construction. Her mentorship excellence is evidenced by the Graduate Mentor Award, reflecting her commitment to student development within research-intensive environments.