Dr. Alejandro Bugarin

Dr. Alejandro Bugarin is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and the Program Coordinator for both the B.S. and B.A. Chemistry programs at Florida Gulf Coast University. He earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Texas A&M University and specializes in synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, and green transformations. His research integrates sustainable chemistry principles with applications in environmental health, renewable energy, and most recently, marine ecosystems.

Dr. Bugarin’s current research focuses on developing photochemical and catalytic strategies for the synthesis of novel bioactive molecules. His group explores new reaction pathways to enhance or uncover the reactivity of triazenes, N-heterocyclic carbenes, heterobimetallic catalysts, and other synthetically valuable systems, often through light-driven processes. The long-term goal of this work is to contribute to the advancement of environmentally sustainable remediation technologies. His interdisciplinary approach bridges synthetic chemistry, photophysics, and environmental science. Dr. Bugarin’s research has been supported by the American Chemical Society PRF and the National Institutes of Health, among others. To date, he has published 76 peer-reviewed articles, with dozens co-authored by undergraduate students, an achievement that reflects both his mentorship and the high caliber of students at FGCU.

Dr. Bugarin actively fosters collaborations that connect FGCU’s scientific community with regional and international partners. Locally, he has established strong ties with the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, the Water School, and both the Biology and Chemistry departments at FGCU. Since joining FGCU in 2020, he has hosted at least one visiting scholar per year from countries including India, Mexico, and Tunisia, each contributing to distinct research projects that have broadened his group’s portfolio. These collaborations have significantly enhanced his group’s productivity, serving as catalysts for innovation. Notably, several of these visiting scholars have since become faculty members in their home countries, allowing the partnerships to continue and expand. Most recently, Dr. Bugarin initiated a collaboration with the University of Pavia, where he plans to spend a sabbatical year focusing on photochemical research.

Mentorship of undergraduate researchers is central to Dr. Bugarin’s professional mission. He is deeply committed to training the next generation of scientists through hands-on research experiences. Through programs such as the Seidler Fellowship, Dr. Bugarin has guided several students in laboratory research, data analysis, and scientific writing. His mentorship emphasizes critical thinking, technical proficiency, and professional readiness. Many of his students have gone on to pursue graduate studies or professional careers in chemistry, and many have earned recognition for their scholarly accomplishments. Among them, Gili Lokeic, Dr. Bugarin’s first undergraduate student at FGCU, received the Best ACS Chemistry Student Award and is now pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Miami. Furthermore, His most prolific undergraduate researcher, Stephen Isbel, co-authored 7 peer-reviewed publications and is currently working on his Ph.D. at Florida International University.

Dr. Bugarin’s work exemplifies FGCU’s interdisciplinary spirit. He collaborates with colleagues in environmental science, biology, chemistry, paleontology, and engineering to explore cross-cutting problems in health, energy conversion, and sustainable chemical design. His teaching and research are closely aligned, as he continually incorporates new methodologies, learned through his international collaborations and research experiences, into the chemistry curriculum. Dr. Bugarin’s laboratory at FGCU provides a rigorous and inclusive environment for scientific discovery. His current research team includes seven undergraduate students and a visitor scholar, all engaged in projects that bridge organic synthesis and biomedical applications. He remains dedicated to offering students meaningful, hands-on research experiences that prepare them for future success in graduate studies, medicine, and industry. Through his sustained record of scholarship, innovation, and mentorship, Dr. Bugarin has established himself as a leader in synthetic organic chemistry at FGCU. His contributions demonstrate the expertise, leadership, and motivation necessary to advance both the university’s research mission and the professional development of its students.

Dr. Bugarin has been recognized for his excellence in research and teaching with the FGCU Senior Faculty Scholarship Excellence Award (2024) and the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2018). These honors reflect his sustained commitment to advancing chemical science, mentoring students, teaching, and contributing to the growth of FGCU. Notably, he is an accomplished synthetic organic chemist with a named reaction (a dream of any organic chemist), the Bugarin α-allenols synthesis, recognized in the field of carbon–carbon bond formation.