Chemical Engineering PhD Student Wins Merck Next Gen Leader and ACS Pharma Innovator Honors
Stephen Adepoju, PhD’27, chemical engineering, won both the 2026 Merck Next Gen Leaders in Chemistry award and the 2026 ACS Future Pharma Innovators distinction.
For the ACS distinction, which selected just 22 recipients, Adepoju was recognized for his computational anti-cancer drug delivery research and his commitment to mentoring early-career chemists. The program provides him with an industry mentor and a $1,500 travel stipend to present his research at the Fall ACS Meeting. As one of 16 Merck selectees, he will also receive year-round career development, dedicated mentorship, and fully funded travel to present at the 2026 Award Symposium in Rahway, New Jersey.