We are pleased to share a conversation with Dr. Mario Gonzalez, a Director at Organix, as he reflects on his journey from Argentina to Massachusetts and provides valuable career insights in celebration of his 30 years with the company.
How did you end up working as a chemist in the USA?
I was born and raised in Mar del Plata, Argentina, a popular coastal tourist city. From a young age, I developed a strong interest in science and mathematics, inspired by my uncle, a chemistry professor. This led me to pursue both a bachelor’s and a PhD in chemistry at the University of Buenos Aires. My doctoral research focused on glucocorticoids, requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving synthetic chemistry, spectroscopy, biochemistry, and pharmacology.
Eager to broaden my experience, I accepted a postdoctoral position at Texas A&M University under the mentorship of Professor A. Ian Scott. There, I delved into the synthesis of porphyrins and the biosynthesis of vitamin B12. After nine years of dedicated work and navigating immigration and citizenship processes, I secured a position at Organix in Massachusetts, starting my journey with the company on April 1, 1994.
What is your role at Organix and how have things changed over the years?
As Director and Manager of Analytical Services at Organix, I’ve witnessed significant growth within the company. When I first joined, there were only around 12 employees, and I was tasked with overseeing the analytical equipment due to my expertise in NMR spectroscopy. We started with a modest 80 MHz NMR spectrometer, and over time, we expanded our capabilities by acquiring a 300 MHz instrument and other analytical tools.
This growth allowed us to diversify our services, transitioning from an exclusive focus on synthetic chemistry projects to providing more analytical support for our clients. The 300 MHz NMR spectrometer served us for over 20 years and became almost like a member of the family. Recently, we retired it and upgraded to a 400 MHz instrument, continuing to advance our analytical services and meeting the increasing demands of our clients.
Can you tell us what you like about working at Organix?
Organix has always prioritized employee wellbeing, fostering a friendly and supportive work environment. I greatly appreciate the company’s rigorous scientific approach to projects, which often span diverse topics such as lipids or small molecules. This variety keeps the work both interesting and challenging.
One aspect I particularly enjoy is solving the puzzle of chemical structure elucidation using NMR techniques. A memorable project involved performing the low-yield synthesis of an API described in a client’s patent. We determined that the structure indicated in the patent was incorrect, and our team successfully proposed a mechanism for the actual product, developing a more efficient synthetic route.
Another unique project involved analyzing extracts from a heavily trafficked carpet for a client designing a new vacuum cleaner. We identified typical NMR signals indicating the presence of fats and sugars.
The combination of intellectual challenges and a positive work culture has been a major factor in my 30-year tenure at the company, and I still enjoy coming to work every day.
Can you tell us about your personal life?
I met my wife in Argentina 43 years ago, and together we’ve raised three children, who have blessed us with three adorable grandchildren and two “granddogs.” When I’m not cheering on Argentina during soccer matches, I enjoy the outdoors, from hiking in New England’s stunning forests and mountains to kayaking and biking around the city. Playing disc golf with my son has also become a favorite pastime. Traveling with my family is also a passion of mine, and we have recently vacationed in Canada, Spain, and Argentina.
