Alumni
Profiles of Success
Richard Dyer
Director, Molecular Science
Pfizer Incorporated
BS Biology 1971, Purdue
MS Bionucleonics 1973, Purdue
Through both his education and experiences in his personal life, Richard Dyer became interested in the study of inflammation in humans. "I recognized a strong internal motivation to focus my research and creativity on defining new therapeutic approaches for unmet clinical needs," he explains."The definition of the biological basis for human inflammatory diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, which lacked effective treatments, and the identification of pharmaceutical mechanisms for modulating these disease processes became a passionate interest." Richard's enthusiasm for this area has been further heightened by the recognition that inflammatory mechanisms play roles in additional diseases, including various types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.
When Richard entered Purdue University, his career path was not originally focused in this direction. He instead enrolled with his sights set on earning a degree in aeronautical engineering. After two years in the program, however, his career goals dramatically changed when he observed sunflower seeds sprouting on the windowsill of his dorm room. "I felt intuitively drawn to the elegantly engineered process of a sprouting seed," recalls Richard, "tried a few biology courses and subsequently transferred to the School of Science with a biology major. While I maintain an interest in flight to this day," he adds, "my curiosity about biology has continued to dominate my career." Commenting further on his education from Purdue, Richard states, "Biology coursework I enjoyed at Purdue helped establish a sound personal foundation in the molecular basis for biological structure and function, the genetic basis for organismal variation, environmental influences on biological systems, and population dynamics. The basic molecular focus I learned at Purdue has shaped my approach to understanding human pathophysiology and pharmacological approaches to human disease."
To complement his degree, Richard entered a masters program at Purdue in Bionucleonics and later enrolled in the University of Wisconsin to study for a Ph.D. in Endocrinology/Reproductive Physiology. After completing his postdoctoral training at the Medical College of Ohio, Richard went to work for Abbott Laboratories in 1980 as a pharmacologist in the Immunosciences Research Area, where he was later promoted to Senior Pharmacologist. In 1987 he joined Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division as a research associate. Within two years he advanced to Senior Research Associate and was named Acting Director of the Biochemistry Department. In 1990 he became an Associate Research Fellow and subsequently was named Research Fellow in 1999. Today Parke-Davis has been incorporated into Pfizer Global Research and Development, and Richard now serves as a pharmaceutical discovery research manager with the title of Director, Inflammation Molecular Sciences and Technologies. "After over 20 years of laboratory research as a senior contributing scientist...applying molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry and pharmacology to research on inflammatory mechanisms," states Richard, "I can point to one marketed product and numerous other test agents that have entered the drug development process, which are direct results of the discovery research I have conducted and research projects I have led."
In his current position, Richard has leadership responsibilities at both divisional and global levels in inflammation research. He directly manages 25 molecular scientists involved in drug discovery research, contributes to the strategic and tactical management of the Inflammation therapeutic area of Pfizer Labs in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and contributes to the global management and coordination of all inflammation-related research within the company. Richard also participates in professional organizations, including the Inflammation Research Association, in which he is the immediate past president, and the Biochemical Pharmacology Discussion Group. "These groups have provided excellent opportunities to meet and network with leaders in various areas of research and to get to know other professional scientists with similar research interests," he states.
Outside of work, Richard keeps busy through involvement in community projects. "I have a strong personal commitment to community service and have led or participated in projects such as Habitat for Humanity house-building, community food drives, and family shelter for the homeless," he states. He has also been involved as a counselor for his church's youth group and has taken on leadership and coaching responsibilities in scouting and youth sports. Hobbies that keep him busy at home include gardening and small construction projects.
Students interested in industry should realize that the industrial environment is different from the academic one. "Pharmaceutical research, and perhaps industrial research in general, differs somewhat from university research in that it is supported based on the long-term profit potential for the funding company," Richard explains. "Successful careers in this environment require not only an excellent scientific foundation but also an understanding of sound business principles and economics." An internship at a pharmaceutical research lab is a good opportunity to experience this difference first-hand. He further advises students to "be intuitive and follow your heart but always make data-driven decisions. Achieve in your career a balance between your emotional and analytical self."
Richard encourages students to take advantage of the resources the university offers outside of the classroom. "Make the most of your campus experience by interacting with faculty and fellow students and by accessing opportunities sponsored by organizations on campus," he states. Finally, perhaps the most important advice Richard gives current students is that they develop well-rounded lifestyles rather than focus solely on their careers. "Serve both your professional and personal community," he states. "Live a full life that is not dominated by your career."
Other Useful Links:
American Association for the Advancement of Science: www.aaas.org/careers/
Inflammation Research Association: www.inflammationresearch.org/