Title: Research Scientist
Company: Colorado State University
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
Mihai V. Popescu, PhD, Research Scientist at Colorado State University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements and leadership in Organic Chemistry and Computational Chemistry.
Dr. Popescu has established himself as an expert in organic chemistry and computational chemistry, currently serving as a research scientist at Colorado State University since 2025. In this capacity, he conducts cutting-edge research, mentors emerging scientists and educates doctoral students within the department.
Before becoming a research scientist, Dr. Popescu was a postdoctoral research fellow on campus from 2022 to 2025. During this period, he contributed to several large-scale research projects that resulted in significant scientific discoveries. Among his most notable achievements was a collaborative project between his previous advisor and his current laboratory, which successfully demonstrated the theoretical design of a molecule exhibiting chirality at oxygen and was considered a rare physical property. Notably, this groundbreaking work was published in Nature, one of the most prestigious scientific journals, underscoring Dr. Popescu’s impact on the field. Initially joining Colorado State University in 2019, he held the position of short-term scholar, where he expanded his research experience and built valuable professional relationships.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Popescu gained industry exposure as a summer intern at AstraZeneca in 2017, where he applied his academic knowledge to practical challenges in pharmaceutical research. His foundational experiences occurred during his role as a summer research assistant at the University of Manchester in 2015 and 2016 and as a summer research assistant at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova in 2014. These roles allowed Dr. Popescu to cultivate his passion for scientific inquiry, develop essential laboratory skills and contribute to ongoing projects in organic chemistry.
Driven by a strong passion for science since high school and an interest in disciplines connected to medicine, chemistry and physics, Dr. Popescu’s academic journey began at Frații Buzești National College, where he completed studies in natural sciences in 2013. He then attended the University of Manchester in the U.K. Dr. Popescu participated in an integrated program that enabled him to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree as part of a single course of study, officially receiving a master’s degree in chemistry in 2017. He then advanced to doctoral studies at the University of Oxford, focusing on synthesis for biology and medicine, and received a Doctor of Philosophy in 2022.
Dr. Popescu’s expertise is further recognized through his active membership in the American Chemical Society, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field. A prolific contributor to scientific literature, he has been published in numerous professional journals over the past decade, including the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Nature and the Journal of Organic Chemistry. Dr. Popescu is also credited with authoring educational texts, such as “Probleme de Chimie Organica,” Volumul IV, and “Chimie Organica – Intrebari si Raspunsuri,” Volumul I, both via Printech Publishing House in Bucharest.
Dr. Popescu’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including two Achievement Awards from British Petroleum, a Second Prize at the Sixth National Society of Chemical Industry/Royal Society of Chemistry Retrosynthesis Competition and a Division of Organic Chemistry Travel Award. He attributes much of his success to the guidance and support provided by his academic advisors. Their mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Dr. Popescu’s approach to research and fostering his achievements.
Looking ahead, Dr. Popescu aims to secure a more established position within academia or industry where he can continue contributing to scientific advancements or establish an independent research program. He remains dedicated to mentoring future scientists and hopes to be remembered for both his contributions to scientific discovery and his role in guiding others toward success.
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