Lee Klein completed his Ph.D. in Analytical/Organic Chemistry at Indiana University in 2001 where his thesis work centered on the use of electrogenerated and photosensitive transition-metal complexes to effect chemical transformations of industrial and environmental interest. Not wishing to leave Indiana in 2001, Lee accepted a position as a Visiting Professor of Chemistry at the university and spent two years there teaching a variety of courses in chemistry full time. Just over 1500 students enrolling in general, quantitative, and instrumental chemistry courses were forced to endure Lee as a professor in that time.
Lee joined Merck & Co. in the fall of 2003 and has since enjoyed several distinct roles in the following years in drug discovery and product development, including a number of stints involving both siRNA and mRNA technology. Amazingly, Lee’s prior interests in electrochemistry and photochemistry have also managed to be relevant at Merck more than once in the last twenty-three years. Lee looks forward to seeing you in person in Boston, where he promises to dress somewhat better than he did for the otherwise accurate photo above. Until then, you will receive a grateful reply by contacting him anytime at lee_klein@merck.com.