The Member Spotlight Q&A is part of an ongoing CASSS series, in which we invite members to meet other members of the CASSS Community.
The Member Spotlight is an ongoing Q&A series focused on getting to know the CASSS community. Today’s spotlight shines on Doug Richardson, Distinguished Scientist of Analytical Research and Development at Merck & Co., Inc.
Q. What was your motivation to volunteer with CASSS?
There are so many answers, but I would have to say it’s the community of members and forums to meet new people with different backgrounds and career experiences spanning biologics, vaccines, and cell and gene therapy. This diverse community is one of my major motivations for volunteering with CASSS.
Q. What do you do to relax? Do you have any hobbies?
Right now early morning walks are both a great way to start the day but also very relaxing. From a hobby perspective I like to play with my kids, bowling, cooking, golf, and listening to the podcast “This Week in Virology” aka TWIV. The podcast was something I picked up early in the pandemic and it has provided me with a relaxing outlet to both disconnect and learn at the same time. The TWIV team has been an awesome resource throughout the pandemic and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn about virology.
Q. What's your favorite type of food or special dish you cook? Why?
I like all types of cuisine. If I had to pick a favorite I would say Greek or Mediterranean is toward the top of my list. Some sort of grilled protein with fresh vegetables and salad have been very popular throughout the summer in our house. We enjoy going out to restaurants, trying new foods, and then re-creating the dish and flavors at home. A recent popular experiment is a Watermelon Burrata salad.
Q. What is your favorite movie, tv show, music or book?
Tough to pick just one so maybe I will share what has been most recent.
Movie - Superpets (very popular with kids but also the first Movie Tavern experience…cool place).
TV Show(s) - Ozark and The Staircase…..I also rewatched Seinfeld during pandemic.
Music - Classical (another relaxation outlet but also good for writing); my daughter’s “Summer 2022 playlist” is a close 2nd.
Book - Most recent “Vaccinated” (Maurice Hilleman was a very talented Virologist).
Q. What famous person (dead or alive) would you choose to have dinner with? Why?
So many options… choosing one is very difficult. Keeping with the virology theme Hilleman would be a very interesting dinner conversation. Curie, Edison, Lincoln, and Elon Musk would also be on that list for unique conversations. The TWIV team would also be lots of fun!
Q. What’s your favorite travel experience?
I love traveling to new places and experiencing new cultures. I’ve been lucky to have visited many interesting places through travel at work. One of my most memorable trips was traveling in Italy and driving the Amalfi coast in route to a conference. Now I look forward to sharing these experiences with my wife and kids hoping they also catch the travel bug. My kids voted to add Disney to this list which I am doing reluctantly.
Q. What would people be surprised to know about you?
As a child, I performed the US National Anthem at NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL games as part of a boys choir.
Q. How did you get inspired to go into science/biotech/pharma industry?
My interest in science started very early. Both of my parents were medical professionals and there were lots of fun science posters created growing up. Beyond my parents I would have to acknowledge my high school chemistry teacher (Birch Carpenter) for planting the seed to pursue science as a career. My undergraduate studies focused on Forensic Chemistry with a minor in Biological Sciences.
Coming out of undergrad I nearly took a path toward law school but an advisor (Prof. Howard D. Dewald) nudged me toward graduate school for chemistry, which linked me with my graduate advisor (Prof. Joseph A. Caruso). Once in graduate school the network of peers, faculty, and internship experiences helped guide the path for a career in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Q. If you did anything other than your current occupation, what would it be?
So if you would have asked me this question ~10yrs ago, I would have said financial broker or accountant. Today, owning a food truck that parks near a sunrise or sunset sounds like fun!