Alumnae Leadership Award

Dr. Selena M. Russell '00 is a nationally recognized scientific leader whose career reflects technical excellence and a strong commitment to public service.

She serves as a Senior Chemist in the Office of Science at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products, where she leads complex scientific reviews and cross-agency initiatives that support public health. She has authored more than 30 chemistry product reviews across multiple regulatory pathways, mentors new scientists, and helps harmonize review processes across the Center. Selena leads the Office of Science Battery Safety Team and the Tobacco Product Surveillance Team, contributing to national guidance and the evaluation of adverse events to inform regulatory decisions.

Previously, Selena was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, developing advanced battery electrolytes and studying electrode interfaces to improve safety and performance. Selena earned her Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Iowa State University and her B.S. and M.S. in chemistry, with a minor in art history, from DePaul University. She has received numerous FDA and Office of Science awards for leadership and excellence in advancing the public health mission. She is a co-inventor on two battery chemistry patent applications and has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Now based in Washington, DC, Selena remains closely connected to her Chicago roots. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and visiting relatives in Greece to celebrate her father’s heritage.