Donna J. Nelson

Dr. Donna J. Nelson is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oklahoma, specializing in organic chemistry education research, science policy, and diversity in STEM. She holds a B.S. from the University of Oklahoma (1974), a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin (1980), and completed postdoctoral work at Purdue University (1980-1983). She served as a visiting professor at MIT in 2003 and 2010. Her research focuses on classroom dynamics, particularly the impact of student mindset on academic performance in organic chemistry. She is renowned for her role as science advisor to AMC's Breaking Bad and as 2016 President of the American Chemical Society, advocating for global scientific collaboration and diversity initiatives.

Education Highlights:

• B.S., University of Oklahoma, 1974
• Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin, 1980
• Postdoc, Purdue University, 1980–1983
• Visiting Professorships at MIT (2003, 2010)
• Hon. Sc.D., University of Edinburgh, 2021

Research Interests: Merging organic chemistry education with societal impact, including textbook accuracy, diversity in STEM, and science communication. Her work on fentanyl epidemiology and nanotechnology applications (via NMR spectroscopy) has influenced public health policy and materials science.

Recent Article Trends: Focused on the fentanyl crisis, STEM diversity metrics, and evidence-based science communication strategies. Her analysis bridges molecular chemistry with macro-level policy implications.

Awards & Recognition:

• Royal Society of Chemistry Fellow (2019)
• ACS President (2016)
• Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame (2013)
• 2021 Honorary Doctorate from University of Edinburgh

Grants & Advising: Over $2M in NSF grants for diversity studies and science education. Advised Breaking Bad on methamphetamine chemistry and consulted for Hollywood productions like Triangle. Co-founded the Nelson Diversity Surveys tracking STEM faculty demographics.

Labs & Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams at OU focused on fentanyl analysis, nanotube characterization, and education equity initiatives. Collaborates with Native American communities on diabetes research and public health campaigns.