Owen M. McDougal is a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Boise State University. A native of upstate New York, his love of the outdoors inspired him to travel west for graduate school and pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Utah in the laboratory of C. Dale Poulter. His work to elucidate the three-dimensional structures of neuropeptides by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy involved the application of physical chemistry to address problems in biological systems. Upon completion of his Ph.D., Dr. McDougal sought an academic environment that allowed him to share his passion for science with students. He taught general, organic, and biological chemistry at Southern Oregon University which allowed him to hone his instructional skills. Looking to advance his love for writing, Owen shifted to a faculty position in the research-intensive environment at Boise State University, where he investigates the bioactivity of marine and terrestrial natural products, including studies of food chemistry, nutraceutical products, and specialty chemicals.
