Sean McHugh '11: Emmanuel's Chemistry Program Launches Alum's Career

Many students choose Emmanuel College for its unique faculty-student research program that nurtures intellectual growth and curiosity, shapes professional journeys, enriches personal development, and creates lasting relationships with faculty members that continue well beyond graduation.

Sean McHugh ‘11 was drawn to Emmanuel for the renowned program, which he participated in as an undergraduate. He has since forged an impressive career path rooted in the scientific foundation he gained at Emmanuel under the mentorship of Dr. Aren Gerdon, Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the department. 

McHugh’s decision to attend Emmanuel College was an easy one after visiting the chemistry labs and meeting faculty and students. "I chose Emmanuel College because of its exceptional chemistry program. The cutting-edge research being conducted, along with the outstanding reputation of the professors and sense of community, truly impressed me," he recalled.

While at Emmanuel, McHugh took part in a research project in which his team grew hydroxyapatite on gold nanoparticles to find ways to regenerate teeth or aid bone repair. This early involvement in high-level research, often reserved for graduate students at other institutions, helped to build his expertise in chemistry. "Working with Dr. Gerdon provided a solid foundation in analytical techniques and problem-solving," McHugh explained.

Dr. Gerdon and McHugh have remained in touch, sharing insights and updates on their work.

“Sean made important contributions to our research team while a student at Emmanuel College that led to an early publication for our group. Current students still read about and benefit from the research foundation that Sean built, which is the same foundation that propelled him to his current success,” said Dr. Gerdon.

Professional Career

After graduating from Emmanuel, Sean worked as an analytical chemist at a cosmetics company for just over a year. His work involved using various instruments and techniques to solve chemical problems, a skill he honed during his undergraduate research. Realizing his potential for further advancement, he pursued a Ph.D. in biochemistry at Tufts University.

McHugh worked as a consultant for three years after earning his Ph.D. This role allowed him to apply his scientific expertise to various projects, including creating training materials on disease states and conducting secondary research for medical teams. However, he desired to be more directly involved in the pharmaceutical industry, which led him to his current position at Sanofi.

McHugh serves as associate director on Sanofi's Launch Excellence team. His role involves coordinating the efforts of multiple teams to ensure successful drug launches. He oversees the entire launch process, ensuring compliance, readiness, and effective communication across departments, including marketing, medical, sales, and public affairs. "The project management skills, strategic planning abilities, and scientific knowledge I developed at Emmanuel are crucial in overseeing the entire launch process," said McHugh.

Emmanuel’s Enduring Impact

He attributes much of his professional success to the education and experiences he gained at Emmanuel College. The close-knit community and stellar chemistry program provided him with individualized teaching and ample research opportunities. His work in Dr. Gerdon’s lab and the collaborative environment at Emmanuel helped him develop critical skills. "The collaborative environment at Emmanuel helped me develop skills in teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, which have been invaluable throughout my career," McHugh noted.

“Sean developed his teamwork and leadership skills early in his education. He brought that to our team and to his efforts in chemistry research,” remarked Dr. Gerdon. “That ability to identify and solve problems as part of a team is something that Sean has mastered in his current role."

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, McHugh envisions two potential career paths. He hopes to advance to a director level within his current team at Sanofi, continuing to work in the rare disease and immunology space. Alternatively, he might consider returning to consulting, where he could engage more deeply with scientific research.

His story serves as an inspiration to current and future Emmanuel students, demonstrating the impact of a strong academic foundation and meaningful faculty relationships.