|
 When
Dr. Jonathan Zung was an undergraduate
chemistry major at Florida Institute
of Technology, he learned a lot more
than the periodic table. He began to
develop his problem-solving skills and
passion for science.
Zung ’86, the
executive director of project planning
and management at
the pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers
Squibb, said his undergraduate education
provided an excellent foundation for
his future career success.
“Of course I learned a great deal
about chemistry and math while a student
at
Florida Tech,” he said. “But,
more importantly, I learned how to
become a critical thinker and a problem
solver.
Those skills, as much as anything,
have really helped me in my career.”
Zung
uses these skills as much as his
background in chemistry in his
position
at Bristol-Myers Squibb, where
he is responsible for the leadership
of 20
project managers and coordinators.
In his role, he works closely with
the project
teams that are responsible for
developing new pharmaceutical entities
and partners
with company senior executives
in managing the governance process for
disease
planning and ensuring that the
development teams meet both budgetary
and
strategic objectives.
Zung, who
earned his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry
at Emory University,
spent 11 years at Pfizer, starting
as an
analytical chemist and ending
up as a director in
the R&D organization. Among
his successes was his involvement
in the development
of different dosage forms of the
antibiotic Zithromax. He’s
now enjoying life outside of the
laboratory.
“I’ve gotten a great opportunity
at Bristol-Myers Squibb,” said
Zung. “I’m able
to connect the research and
development organization
with the business and marketing
areas. In coming here, I’ve
been able to take on new responsibilities
and learn
a new aspect of the drug development
process.”
As his career
has flourished, he’s
kept an eye on his alma mater
and is excited by the changes
he sees at
Florida Tech.
“The transformation in the campus
has been totally impressive,” said
Zung. “The quality
of the facilities has increased
dramatically; we have modern
buildings today. On my
last visit, I
was amazed by the amount
of money that has been
pumped into the university
and
the remarkable difference
these funds have made.
The sports and recreation
center is impressive, and
I was glad
to see that the university
is attracting new superstar
faculty.”
Several
faculty made a difference
for Zung during
his undergraduate
days at Florida Tech.
Two in particular stand
out.
“Richard Mounts and Clayton Baum
were truly extraordinary for me,” he
said. “Baum is
probably one of the
most dedicated and
caring people
you are ever likely
to meet. He always
goes out of his way
for the students
and really enjoys teaching.”
Baum
said Zung was a memorable
student
for
many reasons.
He was both serious
and enthusiastic
as a student. He
knew what he wanted
to do and followed
through on it.
He was able to interest
his fellow students
in careers in chemistry,” said
Baum. “He
was a real pleasure
to teach. One of
the main rewards
of teaching
is seeing the success
of your students,
so I have greatly
enjoyed watching
his achievements
over the years.”
In
addition to his
favorite faculty,
Zung said other
aspects of his
Florida Tech
experience were “pretty
amazing.”
“
I’ll never
forget the strong
friendships I
forged there
with fellow students
and
faculty. I’ll
also never forget
the archaic equipment
in the physics
labs and the
real can-do spirit
that counteracted
the lack of facilities,” he
said. “What
also stands out
to me is that
the attitude
at Florida
Tech
was to work hard
and to play hard.”
This
last lesson
is one he’s
carried with
him throughout
his life. When
he’s
not working hard
at Bristol-Myers
Squibb, the avid
Atlanta Braves
and New York
Jets fan is playing
hard with his
wife Renee and
his son
Andrew, 10, and
daughter Ashley,
7.
“I have typical kids in that they’re
highly active.
Andrew is into
all manner of sports,
and my daughter
is a
gymnast and
is continuing
with
ballet lessons.
My wife and
I just try
to keep up
with
them.”
Jay Wilson |
