Alumnus Dr. Thomas Scott Griffin was finally hooded at the UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry commencement ceremony on June 14, 2025—more than five decades after earning his Ph.D. in Natural Products Chemistry in 1970.
Griffin completed his dissertation, “Studies of the Acid Color Reactions and Structures of Sesquiterpene Lactones,” under the mentorship of Professor Theodore Geissman. However, he was unable to attend his graduation, having been called to active duty during the Vietnam War. During his three years of service at the Army Institute of Research at Walter Reed Medical Center, Griffin focused on synthesizing antimalarial compounds and conducting research in heterocyclic, organosulfur, and selenium chemistry—work that earned him the U.S. Army Commendation Medal.
Following his military service, Griffin began a distinguished 35-year career with U.S. Borax, holding key research and executive roles both in the U.S. and abroad. His contributions to science include 14 publications, two U.S. patents, and a legacy of leadership in chemical research. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and active member of the American Chemical Society, Griffin has remained a dedicated supporter of UCLA’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
The ceremony was especially meaningful as Griffin was joined by his grandson—also graduating from UCLA the same weekend and beginning a master’s program in physics—symbolizing a proud family legacy of Bruin excellence.
Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penjen@g.ucla.edu.
