Kathryn Uhrich, ’86
Distinguished Professor in Chemistry
University of California, Riverside
- Governance Committee
- Finance Committee
- Terms Served: 2021-2024
Why I serve on the Board of Directors
UND gave me the educational, social and professional foundations to succeed, opening doors and providing opportunities. They had it all – from student clubs, supportive faculty, engaging lab TAs, and hockey games. I want to provide UND students faculty, and staff similar opportunities.
Career
Kathryn is a scientist and researcher, university dean, entrepreneur, world traveler and philanthropist. She serves as Dean of the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). Before UCR, she served as Dean of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at Rutgers University.
Kathryn researches biocompatible, biodegradable polymers that serve a critical need in drug delivery. This research has produced ~200 peer-reviewed papers and generated >$35 million in federal and corporate funding. She’s an inventor on more than 70 issued patents and collaborates with companies, from startups to pharmaceutical giants.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, University of North Dakota
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry/Polymers, Cornell University
How I Provide Opportunities
My husband and I support scholarships for women and under-represented groups attending UND. We met at Grand Forks Central, so we also support scholarships there for scholar-athletes who will be attending college.
In my free time, I ...
... travel. Over the decades, we’ve travelled across the US and across the globe – visiting cities and hiking glaciers. More recently, we’ve been camping in the Southwest with our camper in tow. At home, our spare time centers on Athena, our Airedale terrier, who takes us for walks every day and trains us to fetch her favorite toys.
My Favorite UND Memory
There are so many! Attending hockey and football games. Doing lab research at the USDA Human Nutrition Lab (aka the Nut Lab) and at the EERC. Studying in the fish bowl in the Chester Fritz Library. Hanging with friends between classes at the Memorial Union. Lots of great memories!