Dr. Dev, The Person
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Dr. Devin J. Swiner is a scientist, STEM leadership strategist, and creator of the Architect of Impact Model, a framework that helps scientists and professionals design what she calls intentional influence — aligning identity, expertise, relationships, and authority to create meaningful impact.
As an Associate Principal Scientist in Small Molecule Analytical Research and Development (SMARD) at Merck & Co., Dr. Swiner advances innovative drug substance and drug product development from preclinical stages through commercialization. Leveraging expertise in mass spectrometry, dissolution, and predictive stability design, she develops analytical strategies that support the development of life-saving medicines for patients worldwide. In parallel with her scientific career, Dr. Swiner has become a nationally recognized voice on leadership, career strategy, and professional development in STEM. Through keynotes, workshops, and mentorship, she helps professionals clarify their identity, communicate their expertise, build strong professional ecosystems, and translate their work into meaningful impact. Her thinking is captured in the Architect of Impact Model, which explores how professionals align identity, visibility, relationships, and authority to create intentional influence within complex systems. Dr. Swiner earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from The Ohio State University, where her dissertation research on Thread Spray Ionization led to a U.S. patent and seven peer-reviewed publications. Her work in ambient ionization mass spectrometry has advanced applications in clinical diagnostics, illicit drug detection, and biomarker analysis, earning her recognition as Ohio State’s 2020 Next Generation Innovator of the Year. Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Swiner is deeply committed to expanding opportunity in the scientific community. She is the co-founder of #BlackInChem, a global movement amplifying the voices of Black chemists, and has served on the Board of Directors of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). Through her leadership, she has helped develop programs that strengthen talent pipelines and support the next generation of scientific leaders. Her contributions to science and community leadership have been recognized internationally, including the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Inclusion and Diversity Prize and selection to the Buckeyes Under 40 cohort. Her work has been featured in Nature Chemistry, USA Today, Forbes, and Chemical & Engineering News. Across her work as a scientist, speaker, and mentor, Dr. Swiner is committed to helping the next generation of scientists build careers that integrate technical excellence, leadership, and community impact. EDUCATION
University of Pittsburgh, B.S. Chemistry The Ohio State University, PhD in Analytical Chemistry EXPERIENCE / SKILLS
Mass Spectrometry + Small Molecule Analysis + Drug Substance Development + Drug Product Development + Dissolution + Predictive Stability + Nitrosamine Method Development + Technical Project Management + Strategic Planning + Public Speaking + Science Communication + Collaborative Leadership + Leadership Development AWARDS / RECOGNITION
Buckeyes Under 40 NOBCChE Trailblazer Royal Society of Chemistry Inclusion and Diversity Prize Next Generation Innovator of the Year Susan M. Hartmann Mentorship and Leadership Award Encouraging Women into the Chemical Sciences Award |