Lyndsay Leal is a Research Scientist in Dow’s Home & Personal Care R&D (HPC), located in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Her research efforts focus on the synthesis of functional polysaccharides and sustainable polymers for applications in hair, skin, and fabric care. Since joining Dow in 2015, Lyndsay has led synthetic programs across acrylic and polysaccharide technologies and led the Sustainable Chemistry Team initiative, focusing on complementing the existing HPC portfolio with sustainable, high-performing materials. Currently, Lyndsay is the Platform Technology Leader for the Polysaccharide Segment focusing on expanding HPC's biosourced and biodegradable polymer offerings.
Prior to joining the HPC business, she received a dual B.Sc. in Chemistry and Biology in 2010 at The College of New Jersey and completed her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania in 2015. Her Ph.D. work combined her interest in cell biology and small molecule total synthesis to develop selective transmembrane protein inhibitors that limit cancer cell growth. Recently, Lyndsay and her coworkers have developed award-winning technologies like UCARE™ Extreme Polymer, a cationic cellulose ether that matches the in-use feel and conditioning benefits of silicones, and DEXCARE™ CD-1 Polymer, Dow’s first dextran-based offering for improved deposition of oils onto hair fibers for enhanced sensorial benefits.