Natalie O'Neil

I received my Ph. D. from the University at Albany in 2017. My graduate research resulted in the first X-ray diffraction studies of highly sensitive compounds of multiply-charged, nonplanar and planar polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This research was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Marina A. Petrukhina. This work was published in 7 peer-reviewed journals (examples: J. Am. Chem. Soc., Organometallic and Inorganic Chemistry).

During my graduate studies, I felt that the topics of sustainability, toxicology and environmental hazards were missing from the traditional graduate chemistry curriculum. Therefore, I pursued a one-year certification course in Green Chemistry and Chemical Stewardship, attended the American Chemical Society (ACS) Green Chemistry & Sustainable Energy Summer School in 2016 and became actively involved in the Network of Early-Career Sustainable Scientists and Engineers (NESSE). I am now the co-executive director of NESSE with Alexandra Hicken, we facilitate a board of directors to lead a global movement of young professionals working on or interested in solutions to today’s most pressing sustainability challenges.

I worked at Utica College as both an adjunct and Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry while finishing my Ph.D. studies. I served at Utica College as both an adjunct and Assistant Professor of Chemistry from 2015-2019, introducing green chemistry to both major and non-major courses. I left Utica College to follow my passion, teaching and empowering the next generation of scientists to use sustainable approaches through green chemistry at Beyond Benign. I left Beyond Benign in 2025 to practice green chemistry in action in the woods of Southern Vermont with my family and many animal friends.

In my free time, I enjoy time with my dog and husband, hiking, cooking, Pilates or yoga, and being with nature. I am looking to connect with scientists and engineers across disciplines to share resources and forge collaborations. I envision a prosperous and sustainable future for all, facilitated by collaborative and sustainable approaches to science.