Michael O'Brien

Michael O'Brien is a seasoned professional in the field of chemistry with extensive experience in product development, research, and molecular synthesis. Currently serving as a Research Fellow at Stepan Company since April 1995, Michael focuses on developing and commercializing innovative products for the polyurethane industry, particularly in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers. Prior experience includes a role as a Post Doctorial Associate at the University of Notre Dame, where Michael synthesized new molecules to enhance antibiotic efficacy against drug-resistant bacteria and provided molecular modeling training. Additionally, Michael worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, investigating the photochemistry of organic molecules, and as a Research Chemist at Eastman Kodak Company, where synthetic organic chemistry was applied to develop materials for photographic and LED applications. Michael holds a Doctorate of Science in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from The Ohio State University.