Few names in the field of chemistry are as prominent as Keyur Pandya’s. A renowned researcher and chemist, Pandya’s love for chemistry was formed in his early years in Bilimora, Gujarat, India.
Keyur’s academic interests were fostered by his mother, Induben Pandya, and her unwavering support for STEM higher education for young minds. His interest in chemistry was piqued at V.S. Patel Science and Arts College, which deepened his fascination with the subject. He then pursued a BTech in polymers and surface coatings/chemical engineering at the Chemical Technology ICT, Mumbai.
Pandya’s academic path brought him from India to the United States and Canada, where his foundations in chemistry further solidified. He carried out groundbreaking research in the development of heteroatom amine-based organocatalysts at Memorial University of Newfoundland. This work attracted international attention and set the groundwork for his Ph.D. research in synthetic organic chemistry at the University of Florida and the University of Alberta. Pandya made significant contributions to the development of heteroatom-based anti-HIV-1 compounds and novel chiral steroid-based compounds with applications in treating inflammation, hemodialysis and cardioprotection.
His early research and development work in chemical processes was crucial to the production of many heteroatom-based pharmaceutical compounds, such as the antibiotic Dapsone, the clotting promoter Amicar, the antabuse Disulfiram and the anti-diabetic drug Farxiga. His ability to convert scholarly research into useful, real-world applications has contributed to the advancement and easy access of life-saving drugs.
His work on heteroatom compounds — especially nitrogen-based amines, phosphorus-based phosphites, and oxygen-based alkylphenols — has impacted their use as catalysts, additives and antioxidants in the plastics, coatings and the oil and gas industries. By pioneering new chemical processes, Pandya has enhanced the commercial viability of these compounds, increased the domestic/global manufacturing footprint and advanced the sustainability of the industries that rely on them. His innovations, such as formulated specialty amines and low-temperature processes for phosphites, have led to reductions in production costs, minimized environmental impact and expanded global markets for these specialty additives.
Pandya’s values were shaped by his family and spiritual mentors, Shri Pramukh Swami Maharaj of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of Art of Living, and Pujya Shri Deepakbhai of Dadabhagwan. Their teachings, along with the wisdom of his father, Manharbhai Pandya — a visionary philanthropist — instilled in him a deep faith in divinity and the belief that true happiness comes from serving others, living in the present, selfless effort without attachment to outcomes and recognizing the self as a pure soul, principles rooted in the Bhagavad Gita.
After the sudden passing of his father in 2008, his mother and sister provided support in fulfilling his academic and professional dreams.
Pandya relocated to Morgantown to pursue an opportunity to lead R&D initiatives in antioxidants and pharmaceutical intermediates.
Over the past three years, Morgantown has become more than a workplace; it has become home. The city’s close-knit community and emphasis on research and education have facilitated a smooth and fulfilling transition.
His induction as a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemists (FAIC) and his inclusion in the Marquis Who’s Who registry highlight his leadership and innovative work in sustainable chemical processes, including heteroatom chemistry and manufacturing. Additionally, Pandya received the Best & Brightest STEM Professional Award from the Decatur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center in Alabama.
Pandya’s future endeavors in green chemistry aim to revolutionize sustainable manufacturing practices further. He plans to develop new heteroatom compounds for wide applications, chemical processes having zero-waste and eliminating the need for toxic solvents in chemical production.
In the pharmaceutical realm, he is focused on creating novel drug candidates that address unmet medical needs, with an emphasis on personalized medicine. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into chemical manufacturing, he aims to develop smarter, more efficient processes that drive economic growth and sustainability. Pandya is also committed to mentoring the next generation of chemists, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
