It is with great sadness that we share that Michael P. Doyle, PhD, emeritus professor of chemistry at The University of Texas at San Antonio, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Doyle was a world-renowned researcher and devoted educator who made significant advances in the field of chemistry. Known for his generosity and dedication to student success, he was a supportive mentor and colleague to many at UT San Antonio.
As an international leader in organic chemistry, Doyle made groundbreaking contributions to the development of catalysts and processes for metal carbene transformations. His work reshaped modern approaches to chemical synthesis and continues to shape modern pharmaceutical research today.
Among his most notable achievements was the development of chiral dirhodium catalysts, often referred to as “Doyle catalysts,” which enable highly selective chemical reactions and are now widely used in both academic research and industry.
Over the course of his career, Doyle authored more than 430 peer-reviewed publications. His research interests spanned catalytic oxidation processes, medicinal chemistry, and the design and synthesis of chiral catalysts.
“Dr. Doyle was a leader in the chemical science community and highly engaged in teaching and mentoring students at all levels,” said Kirk Schanze, PhD, Robert A. Welch Distinguished University Chair and professor of chemistry. “Dr. Doyle was a kind person who willingly shared his time, experience and insight with his colleagues. His bright spirit will be sorely missed at UT San Antonio and in the broader scientific world.”
Doyle’s academic career included appointments at Hope College, Trinity University, the University of Arizona and the University of Maryland, where he served as department chair from 2003 to 2013. In 2015, he joined UT San Antonio as the Rita and John Feik Distinguished University Chair in Medicinal Chemistry and continued to advance research and mentor students until he was named emeritus professor in Fall 2024.
Throughout Doyle’s career, he was committed to advancing undergraduate research. Doyle was a founding figure in the national undergraduate research movement, serving as the first president of the Council on Undergraduate Research and as the first chairman of the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research. In these leadership roles, he inspired institutions across the country to expand access to undergraduate research.
In 2002, he was named “An Undergraduate Champion” by Chemical & Engineering News, reflecting his longstanding commitment to student research and mentorship. Over 160 undergraduate students coauthored publications with him, many of whom went on to lead successful careers in academia, industry and medicine.
“Those who worked with Mike knew how deeply he cared for his students, colleagues, and collaborators, always being there to guide and support them,” said Oleg Larionov, PhD, Robert A. Welch Distinguished University Chair and professor of chemistry. “His mentorship shaped several generations of researchers around the world who continue his legacy of intellectual curiosity and high-caliber scholarship.”
Doyle’s contributions were recognized with more than 25 honors and awards, including the George C. Pimentel Award in Chemical Education in 2002 and the Arthur C. Cope Senior Scholar Award in 2006, both from the American Chemical Society, as well as the Henry J. Albert Award from the International Precious Metals Institute in 2020.
Despite his many accomplishments, students and colleagues remember Doyle as a humble and generous mentor who took pride in the success of others. He encouraged students to embrace challenges, remain curious and develop the skills needed to solve complex problems.
“Working with him wasn’t just about research,” said Luca De Angelis, PhD, special research associate at the Center for Innovative Drug Discovery and former graduate student in Doyle’s lab. “He always made time, always stayed engaged, and always believed in the people he worked with. He genuinely cared about what was going on in our lives. He would always ask about our children, relatives and parents. That human side of him made a difference — it made us feel part of a bigger family.”
Doyle’s legacy is one of excellence, innovation and lasting impact. His leadership and reputation helped elevate the university’s standing in the chemical sciences and will continue to shape the department for years to come.
“Dr. Doyle’s reputation and leadership have played a key role in elevating the department’s national profile,” said Audrey Lamb, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry. “His legacy at UT San Antonio will be long-lasting, and we are grateful for the impact he had on our faculty, students and the greater scientific community.”
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many students whose lives he touched.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him.
In accordance with his commitment to undergraduate education and research, Dr. Doyle and his wife established the Janice and Michael Doyle Endowed Research Award in Chemistry in 2015 which provides summer financial support for undergraduates conducting research at UT San Antonio. Those wishing to honor his memory are invited to contribute to the fund.
