Dick Pederson '85

Networking is the best thing you can do for yourself, get your name out there and make contacts. Also consider advancing your degree. Not only does it create more opportunities, but it is rewarding as well.
- Dick Pederson, 1985, Chemistry 

What is something that surprised you about UW-River Falls?

The small town feel of River Falls was a surprise. I was struck by how friendly the professors were and their willingness to go the extra mile to help you. That's what kept me going and directed me to stay in the science field.

How did UW-River Falls prepare you for where you are now?

UW-River Falls certainly set the foundation for where I am today. I found the greatest asset to be the opportunities students had to access the lab and equipment. As a result, I learned good techniques and learned to run and analyze products. When I went to graduate school I felt way ahead of the curve. Many students had never been in the lab and did not have the degree of experience I had. 

Involvement at UWRF:

While attending UW-River Falls, I was involved in Chemistry Club and intramural sports: football, basketball and broomball.

Vice President of Research and Development at Materia Inc. 

Favorite place you studied:

Laundry room when the dryers were running

Education after UWRF:

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Texas A&M University

Internships and experience:

Post-doctoral research projects at Scripts Research  Institute

Chemist at Bend Research Inc.

Started my own business, Tilliechem, (named after my daughter Tilly) where I established many patents

Favorite City:

Florence, Italy

Favorite magazine:

Chemical Engineering News