A Champion of Progress
Each year, Bradley University recognizes an alum who is 40 years old or younger and embodies the ideals of professional and civic excellence with the Outstanding Young Graduate Award. This prestigious award highlights the positive impact that Bradley’s young alumni are making on society. The criteria for this award are weighted toward professional achievement and civic activities.
The 2024 Outstanding Young Graduate Award was awarded to Dr. Natalie LaFranzo '07, for her work as a scientist, social justice advocate and proud supporter of Bradley University.
Beginning her career as a chemist, Dr. LaFranzo has since moved into offering strategic marketing and consulting support. Her expertise helps to connect the technical and business facets of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Driven by a commitment to advance the field of science, Dr. LaFranzo also champions diversity, inclusivity and innovation. Her mentorship reaches scientists from underrepresented groups, including women, indigenous, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Helping to open doors and create opportunities for these group in traditionally exclusive fields has made Dr. LaFranzo and extremely inspiring leader.
Dr. LaFranzo’s career is also marked by impressive achievements in scientific research. She has authored/co-authored nine peer-reviewed articles, 13 editorials and delivered 24 presentations on scientific policy and research. Recognized for her contributions, she has earned several awards, including the title of American Chemical Society Fellow in 2021, selection as a Young Observer at the 2019 World Chemistry Congress by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and recognition as a 2019 Face of the Periodic Table of Younger Chemists.
The stage for all of this success was set for her at Bradley University. As a sophomore, Dr. LaFranzo became a student affiliate of the American Chemical Society (ACS), where she remains an active leader to this day. Her involvement with ACS fostered her scientific reasoning skills, which she continues to cultivate and share. In addition to academics, she was also a member of the BU Varsity Cheerleading Team and was an active member of Alpha Phi Omega – Zeta Alpha National Service Fraternity. She credits these experiences for building the leadership skills that have taken her across national scientific organizations, emerging pharmaceutical companies and community advocacy groups.
Dr. LaFranzo’s outstanding contributions to science, advocacy for underrepresented groups, and unwavering support for Bradley University exemplify the very best of Bradley’s alumni. She has more than earned the title of 2024 Outstanding Young Graduate, and we invite you to join us in both thanking and congratulating her for continuing to represent Bradley in so many incredibly powerful ways!
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