Karen Regina has been named the winner of the 2026 ACS St. Louis Chemical Science and Technology Award.
Regina is senior chemistry manager at the Nestlé Purina Analytical Laboratory, where she provides strategic leadership aimed at enhancing analytical capabilities for the company’s global pet care business. Her career in the St. Louis scientific community has included roles at Monsanto, Pfizer and Washington University, spanning work in environmental, pharmaceutical and agricultural chemistry.
Since joining Nestlé Purina in 2015, Regina has led technical innovation and laboratory modernization efforts. She secured a $5.1 million capital investment to upgrade chemistry and microbiology facilities. Her technical work has included implementing programmable temperature vaporizer (PTV) inlets for GC-MS and developing sustainable QuEChERS protocols for pet food analysis, efforts that reduced organic-solvent waste and improved laboratory safety.
In her management role, Regina oversaw growth in her department, which increased by 56%, while service times improved and the on-time analysis rate remained above 95%. She has advocated for staffing and resources for her team and has mentored junior scientists on technical development and career progression.
Regina also participates in community and workplace initiatives. She is a member of Purina’s Green Paws group, which focuses on recycling and waste-reduction activities. She has participated in Pedal the Cause and the Cancer Support Community in St. Louis and has supported the St. Joseph Housing Initiative, which assists low- to moderate-income families pursuing homeownership. Her service has included tutoring for the Immigrant Home English Learning Program and serving as a scientific mentor for students at Cor Jesu Academy.
Regina holds a Master of Science in analytical chemistry from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. She has published peer-reviewed research in pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.
Congratulations to Karen Regina on this well-deserved honor!