2025 Presidential Honor of Distinction – Dr. Barbara B. Doonan
President Piero Barone presents Barbara Doonan with the inaugural Presidential Honor of Distinction.
On June 8, 2025, at the In Vitro Biology Meeting in Norfolk, Virginia, the Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) presented its inaugural Presidential Honor of Distinction to Dr. Barbara B. Doonan. This prestigious new award, established by SIVB’s Presidential Officers (President, President-Elect, and Past President), recognizes individuals whose dedication and contributions to the Society extend far beyond traditional service roles.
Dr. Doonan’s distinguished career spans more than three decades across industry and academia, showcasing her extensive expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and toxicology. Her academic journey began with graduate research at the Master’s level, focusing on bacteria and their viruses through the development of a novel transformation system. As a PhD candidate, her research concentrated on the biosynthesis and metabolism of phosphate compounds in cyanobacteria and the development of improved cytochemical techniques for visualizing enzyme activities at the molecular level. In addition to her research duties as a graduate student, she also fulfilled teaching responsibilities.
After receiving her PhD from the City University of New York and prior to entering industry, Dr. Doonan spent a year as an assistant professor at William Paterson College in Wayne, New Jersey, where she taught General Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Electron Microscopy while mentoring undergraduate research projects.
Transitioning to industry, Dr. Doonan embarked on a rewarding career as a Research Scientist, initially in the food and beverage sector (coffee, fruits and vegetables, cereals, etc.) and later in the wine and smokeless tobacco industries. At the General Foods (GF) Corporate Nutrition and Health division, she directed preclinical animal toxicology Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) studies, pharmacokinetic and metabolism studies to elucidate mechanisms of action, and a series of investigations designed to determine the carcinogenic and mutagenic potential of various compounds of interest. Many of these projects were conducted in support of GF’s domestic and international coffee businesses, addressing critical questions related to coffee and health. Her in-depth knowledge of the coffee crop was further enhanced when she transitioned into GF’s Biotechnology Program, where she directed studies utilizing cell culture and microbial fermentation technologies for the production of natural compounds such as specific flavors and unique enzymes from coffee precursors. Both the toxicological and biotechnology programs entailed responsibilities involving interactions with various government regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with existing regulations and to assist in the development of new regulations addressing emerging technological developments.
Just prior to joining United States Smokeless Tobacco Company (UST/USSTC), Dr. Doonan briefly returned to the bench as a visiting scientist at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, researching cell cycle control in the adenovirus E1A system utilizing recombinant technologies. At UST, her broad background and expertise in toxicology, biochemistry, and molecular biology were applied to address company interests in areas such as wine, smokeless tobacco and health, ingredients, laboratory safety, and plant biotechnology.
Upon her retirement as Principal Scientist from UST/USSTC, Dr. Doonan has continued to pursue expanded interests in the fields of molecular biology and biochemistry. In 2011, she initiated a collaboration with Dr. Joseph Wu, Graduate Program Director and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at New York Medical College (NYMC). This relationship has resulted in book chapters and peer-reviewed research papers related to phytochemicals and their role in health maintenance and the prevention of chronic disease. It has also presented the opportunity to serve as a mentor to high school, undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students through NYMC’s Summer Training in Academic Research (STAR) program and the New York Academy of Sciences’ member-to-member programs.
A member of SIVB since 1992, Dr. Doonan’s commitment to the organization has been extraordinary. She has served as SIVB Treasurer since 2008, and has been a member of the Board of Directors and active participant on numerous committees. Her dedication to securing funding support for both the Animal and Plant sections of the Society has been a cornerstone of her service.
In recognition of her sustained leadership and impact, SIVB has honored Dr. Doonan with multiple awards over the years. She received Distinguished Service Awards in 2004, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023, and was honored with the Toxicology and Plant SIVB Fellow Award in 2007. Her leadership during challenging periods, particularly during the transition following the passing of the Society’s longtime Managing Director, Marietta Wheaton Saunders, has been exemplary and demonstrated her steadfast commitment to SIVB’s mission and vision.
On behalf of the entire SIVB membership, we extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Doonan for her extraordinary contributions, passion for science, and enduring dedication to advancing our mission. She has not only helped sustain our organization but also inspired countless colleagues and students through her mentorship and example.
Submitted by:
Piero Barone
President, Society for In Vitro Biology
Addy Alt-Holland
Past President, Society for In Vitro Biology
Michael Fay
President-Elect, Society for In Vitro Biology
