Dr. Dev, The Person
|
Dr. Devin J. Swiner is a trailblazing scientist, inclusive leader, and advocate for equity in STEM. As an Associate Principal Scientist in Small Molecule Analytical Research and Development (SMARD) at Merck & Co., she 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 and implements analytical strategies that enable life-saving medicines to reach patients worldwide.
Her work encompasses method development, validation, and stability studies for solid oral dosage forms, ensuring quality and compliance in the global drug supply. Recognized as a subject matter expert in advanced analytical technologies, she drives best practices across Merck, mentors emerging scientists, and champions integration of cutting-edge tools into development workflows. In 2025, she was named to the Buckeyes Under 40 cohort, honoring her professional excellence, leadership, and scientific impact. Dr. Swiner earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from The Ohio State University, where her groundbreaking dissertation on Thread Spray Ionization led to a U.S. patent and seven peer-reviewed publications. Her innovations in ambient ionization mass spectrometry have advanced clinical diagnostics, illicit drug detection, and biomarker analysis, earning her recognition as Ohio State’s 2020 Next Generation Innovator of the Year. Beyond the lab, she is the co-founder of #BlackInChem, a global movement amplifying the voices of Black chemists, and serves on the Board of Directors of NOBCChE, spearheading programs to expand talent pipelines and develop underrepresented leaders in science. Her advocacy has earned international honors, including the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Inclusion & Diversity Prize, and features in Nature Chemistry, USA Today, Forbes, and C&EN. A sought-after speaker, mentor, and thought leader, Dr. Swiner has guided hundreds of students and early-career scientists into graduate school, industry, and leadership roles, driven by her belief in “lifting as you climb.” Her career reflects a powerful blend of scientific excellence, strategic leadership, and social impact, inspiring the next generation of innovators in the chemical sciences. 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 |