David R. Bryant

David R. Bryant (May 8, 1936 - May 10, 2025) was an internationally acclaimed organic chemist, having worked his entire thirty-nine-year 'early career' at Union Carbide. He was inventor on some ninety patents, and a recipient of the Perkin Medal. He was a member of Renewable Algal Energy (RAE) LLC, and was working to commercialize an algae-to-oil process utilizing RAE's patent pending technology.

Early life and education Bryant grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina as one of seven children. He began working at age ten and held various jobs throughout his youth. He was influenced by his high school science teacher, Arnold Bolen, and decided to pursue chemistry in college. After graduation from high school, he earned a scholarship to Wake Forest University where he double-majored in chemistry and math. While at Wake Forest, he became a lab assistant and conducted synthetic research without the benefit of advanced instrumentation. After receiving his B.S. in 1958, Bryant pursued his Ph.D. at Duke University, with a fellowship from the National Science Foundation. Focusing on organic chemistry, with a minor in physics, he worked on the conversion of organic compounds into dianions under Charlie Hauser and received his doctorate in three years.

Union Carbide recognized Bryant's leadership skills and put him on the selection team for new chemists, mentoring them throughout their careers. He was instrumental in implementing continuing education programs for all employees. He received numerous promotions and was the youngest Union Carbide appointment to Senior Corporate Fellow. He won the Union Carbide Chairman's award three times. He retired from Union Carbide in 2000 as a Senior Corporate Fellow.

1977 Kirkpatrick Award for low pressure Oxo process for the production of butyraldehyde from propylene and synthesis gas 1989 Chemical Pioneer Award, American Institute of Chemists 1990 Honorary D.Sc., Wake Forest University 1991 Union Carbide Chairman's Award 1993 Union Carbide Chairman's Award 1997 Union Carbide Chairman's Award 2014 WF Chemistry Distinguished Alumni Award, Wake Forest University