Domenica Fertal, a PhD candidate in Lehigh University’s Department of Chemistry, has been named a recipient of the 2025 ACS Women Chemists Committee (WCC) Merck Research Award, presented by Merck Pharmaceuticals.

The WCC Merck Research Award honors eight outstanding young chemists who will present their research at a special awards symposium during the Fall American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting.

“I am so proud of Domenica for her hard work over the years that has led to her recognition as a WCC Merck Research Award recipient,” said Elizabeth Young, associate professor of chemistry and Fertal’s advisor. “It has been a joy to watch her research skills and confidence grow the past couple of years as she has developed into an independent researcher here at Lehigh. I have been incredibly impressed with Domenica’s maturity, and the awareness and empathy she demonstrates on a daily basis. Congratulations to Domenica for this wonderful recognition!”  

Fertal, a fourth-year graduate student in the Young Lab, conducts research on the photodegradation of azo dyes—pollutants commonly produced by the textile industry. Her work explores light-driven degradation mechanisms with the goal of informing future environmental remediation strategies. In addition to her research, Fertal has mentored 10 undergraduate students, helping them navigate the academic research environment. 

“Mentoring undergraduates has been a rewarding experience that reminds me every day where we all started from,” Fertile said. “I am proud of the work that I have done thus far to get to where I am currently, and I am endlessly thankful for the support I receive from my advisor and lab mates, as well as my friends and family!”

Originally from Georgia, Fertal earned her bachelor's degree in chemistry from Columbus State University before joining Lehigh University in 2021 to pursue her doctorate. Looking ahead, she aspires to continue her research in the renewable energy sector.

As part of the award, Fertal will receive a $1,500 stipend to support her participation in the Fall ACS National Meeting, where she will present her findings at the WCC/Merck symposium. She will also be recognized at the Awards Symposium Luncheon and the WCC Luncheon.

More information about the ACS WCC Merck Research Award is available at the ACS website.