Our Alumni Supporters
Don Carlton, PhD 1966
Don Carlton, former president of Radian International (now a division
of URS) received his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1962. Carlton’s support of
the University extends beyond the Chemistry Department but also to the
Chemical Engineering Department and beyond. When visiting with students
he encourages them to tap into the alumni resources of the University. He
informs students to seek out alumni, ask them about their mistakes, “learn
from their mistakes and do not be afraid to make new ones.” Carlton also
emphasizes the value of identifying mentors to advise and help add direction
in all areas of life.
“My years in the Chemistry Department (that’s what they called it then) were
a defining period in my life and my career. My future wife hired me to be her
chemistry tutor. I was the tutor to the athletic department. Dr. Hackerman
hired me as a TA and that began nearly a 50 year relationship (he served on
the board of my company for almost 30 years) and was one of my mentors
until he passed away recently. And, I received a degree that led to a long
business career tied to chemistry.”
“The outstanding people I met in the Chemistry Department opened my eyes
to an appreciation of science and of scientists that prepared me well for what
lay beyond my years at the University. The academic education of course is the
cornerstone. But there is so much more to life, and that to me is what made
the Chemistry Department and the University the vital forces in my life that
they became.”

“So that others can realize the advantages of a defining moment
in their lives is the reason continued support for the Department of
Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University is vital.”
Chi-Li Chen, PhD 2007
“I entered the graduate program in chemistry in 2002 and received my
doctorate in 2007. I would like to thank my advisor Professor Stephen F.
Martin who supported and motivated me through the graduate program.
It was an unforgettable experience in my life to work on the most exciting
chemistry project with such cool labmates. The training I received at UT-
Austin is certainly a benefit to furthering my career. After the graduation, I
started a postdoctoral research position at the Harvard University Chemistry
Department. Currently, I am a research scientist in medicinal chemistry at
Tetraphase Pharmaceutical, Inc. in Boston.”
“The day I graduated I went straight to our Graduate Coordinator,
Penny Kile, and I presented her with a check to the department.
It was something I could do in my small way to pay back the
department that had done so much for me.”
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