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Leyte Winfield, Ph.D.

Leyte Winfield, Ph.D.
Division Chair for the Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Professor
Chemistry and Biochemistry, Cosmetic Science, Division Chairs, Faculty, Media Expert, eSpelman

Contact Info
404-270-5748
Albro-Falconer-Manley Science Center 151/153

Tag(s): Women in STEM, Women in STEM Data Dashboard, STEM Education, Biochemistry, eSpelman, Cosmetic Science, chemistry

Academic Oversight

  • Biology
  • Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Computer and Information Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Dual Degree Engineering Program
  • Environmental and Health Sciences Program

Majors, Minors and Programs

Biography

Faculty Member Since 2003

Leyte Winfield, Ph.D. is the Division Chair for the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM), Director of the Cosmetic Science Program, Co-Director of the Internal Steering Committee, Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Dr. Leyte Winfield (pronounced LAY-ta) is a tenured Professor of Chemistry at Spelman College and a Fellow of both the American Chemical Society and the National Organization for Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. Dr. Winfield is a scientist and innovator holding multiple patents for drug discoveries targeting reproductive cancers. Blending her passion for chemistry and beauty, Dr. Winfield founded Spelman’s Cosmetic Science Program—one of only two undergraduate lab-based programs of its kind nationwide. The program has forged partnerships with PATTERN Beauty, Design Essentials, L’Oréal Groupe, and the Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation, and is home to the acclaimed Black Beauty STEMinist® Project, which amplifies the voices of Black women in beauty science.

Education

  • Post-Graduate Certificate, Academic Leadership, the Chicago School, 2014
  • Post-Doc, Medicinal Chemistry, Florida A&M University, 2004
  • PhD, Organic Chemistry, University of New Orleans, 2003
  • BS, Chemistry, Dillard University, 1997

Courses Taught

Spelman:

  • Biomedical Business (CHE 162)
  • Fat Transfer and the Age of Constructing Beauty (FYC 100)
  • First Year Experience (EDU 101, EDU 102)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (CHE 431)
  • Organic Chemistry I and II (CHE 231, CHE 232)
  • Organic Chemistry Laboratory I and II (CHE 233L, 234L)
  • Organic Chemistry Recitation I and II (CHE 233R, CHE 234R)
  • Undergraduate Senior Seminar (CHE 429)
  • Cosmetic Chemistry (COS 326)
  • Survey of Beauty and Cosmetics (COS 212)
  • European Cosmetics (COS 280)

eSpelman:

  • Foundations in Cosmetic Science

Scholarship

Cosmetic Science: Recognizing the underrepresentation of Black women in the cosmetic science industry, we are launching a project to capture and celebrate trailblazing individuals in the field. The Black Beauty STEMinist Project showcases the expertise and experiences of Black women in science, which are a powerful testament to the talent and resilience of Black women in science. The project aims to inspire future generations by showcasing the diverse perspectives and contributions of Black women in the beauty and personal care industry. It also serves to preserve our shared history and elevate the visibility of Black women in cosmetic science. Through this work, we aim to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote the inclusion of diverse voices in both the beauty industry and STEM fields. Key partners have included: L'Oréal Groupe, Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation, PATTERN Beauty, and Design Essentials.

Broadening Participation: A number of pedagogical innovations are being implemented to develop a comprehensive model for improving student performance in STEM majors. This project integrates novel tools and proven strategies to enhance student engagement, mastery of STEM concepts, and knowledge retention. Central to the initiative are cohort-building, peer mentorship and tutoring, and blended classroom activities—all designed to strengthen student support and promote success across the curriculum. By introducing these interventions in the first and second years, the project aims to equip students with effective learning strategies that lead to success in upper-level courses and increased retention in the major. In parallel, the project documents key aspects of Spelman’s STEM learning environment to better understand and amplify the factors contributing to student success. This work provides culturally relevant insights into effective curricular models and highlights the role of minority students as agents of their own success within a supportive academic environment. Funding for this work was provided by the National Science Foundation Historically Black Colleges and Universities Award No. HRD-1332575 and 1912385, the National Science Foundation Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Education and Human Resources (IUSE: EHR) Award No. 1626002 and 2315607 (pending), and the National Institute of Health Planning Grants for the NIH Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) Initiative (P20) Award No. 1P20MD008719-01.

Select Publications

  • Arriaga, E.; Ingram, J.; Lucy, C.; Winfield, L.* Roots of Innovation in Analytical Chemistry. Annual Review Analytical Chemistry 2025, 18, 1 - 21 (invited). DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061622-035620.

  • Ballard, J.; Winfield, L.* A Glimpse of Social Presence during an Organic Chemistry Group Activity. Frontiers in Education 2024, 9, 1357796. DOI: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1357796.

  • Ballard, J.; Gamage, S. K.; Winfield, L.*; Mooring, S.* Cognitive Discourse During a Group Quiz Activity in a Blended Learning Organic Chemistry Course. Chemistry Teacher International 2023. DOI: 10.1515/cti-2023-0007.

Patents

  • Winfield, L. Synthesis and Anti-Proliferative Effect of Substituted Imidazo[4,5-B]Pyrazine Compounds. U.S. Pat. No. 8,362,019. Issue Date: January 29, 2013.

  • Winfield, L. Synthesis and Anti-Proliferative Effect of Substituted Purine Compounds. U.S. Pat. No. 8,357,691. Issue Date: January 22, 2013.

  • Winfield, L. Synthesis and Anti-Proliferative Effect of Substituted Imidazo[4,5-B]Pyridine Compounds. U.S. Pat. No. 8,334,302. Issue Date: December 18, 2012.

  • Winfield, L. Synthesis and Anti-Proliferative Effect of Substituted Imidazo[4,5-C]Pyridine Compounds. U.S. Pat. No. 8,329,728. Issue Date: December 11, 2012.

  • Winfield, L. Syntheses and Anti-Proliferative Effects of 1-Aryl-substituted Benzimidazole Derivatives. U.S. Pat. No. 8,106,084. Issue Date: January 31, 2012.

  • Winfield, L. Syntheses and Anti-Proliferative Effects of Benzimidazole Derivatives. U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,723 B2. Issue Date: May 24, 2011.

News & Notes