Introducing -- Our First 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient!

Stephen is a graduate of FHS and Gustavus Adolphus College, 2012, with a degree in ACS Chemistry. He received his Doctorate in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh in 2017. He began his professional career when he joined Eli Lilly as a post-doctoral scientist. As a post-doc working in Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD), he focused on advancing automated small molecule drug product extraction techniques. In 2018, he transitioned to a research scientist within the drug substance process analytical team where he accelerated the technical development and implementation of an integrated, process analytical technology (PAT)-centric impurity control strategy for the commercialization of the tirzepatide hybrid manufacturing process. He established foundational analytical and PAT +platforms that were transferable to other synthesizer platforms. From 2021 to 2023, he focused on leading analytical control strategy development and commercialization activities for orforglipron drug substance.

In June of 2023, Stephen took on his first management role where he provided technical and organizational leadership for SMDD’s analytical development teams across synthetic modalities and led the process purification development team for oligonucleotides and peptides. Since July 2024, he has led analytical development in Bioproduct Research and Development (BRD) where his team of about 60 analytical chemists and engineers are dedicated to delivery of the bioproduct portfolio of therapeutic recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, genetic medicines, and bioconjugates from early to late phase commercialization.

He has been instrumental in leading safety and recruiting teams to SMDD and BRD, has implemented an in-lab safety review initiative applicable to all scientists within SMDD, and has been active in Lilly’s Talent Development Academy Emerging Talent Program for early career development. Stephen has also received many academic and professional awards, has been published dozens of times, and has made many national and international presentations.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys spending time at the lake with his wife Megan, woodworking, doing home improvement projects, and running.