DELAWARE
Peng Wei ’02
President/owner, Affinity Research Chemicals

Peng Wei’s (Ph.D. ’02) has loved chemistry ever since he was a child growing up in China.

“I was always fascinated by the news on the latest new materials, technology or medicines from western countries,” he says. “I was always fascinated by the news on the latest new materials, technology or medicines from western countries. After learning hands-on experiments on some of the amazing chemical reactions in high school, I chose chemistry as my major without hesitation. I especially love the fact that chemistry is not only a study on paper, but also hands on.”

After completing his undergraduate degree in China, Peng was determined to study in the U.S. When he came to UMKC, it was his first time ever leaving China.

“It was an eye-opening experience for a young, ambitious college graduate,” he says. “I took every opportunity to learn as much as I could. UMKC not only broadened my horizon academically, but also made me a stronger person with passion and curiosity to advance.”

Ten years after graduating from UMKC, Peng co-founded Affinity Research Chemicals, a pharmaceutical research and development firm in Wilmington, Del.

Peng and his colleagues help pharmaceutical companies with drug discovery — the process of developing new drugs for patients.

Peng may be the president and co-founder of his company, but he is quick to give credit to his team.

“What’s unique about our company is our highly-skilled research team in Delaware,” he says. “Our company’s mission is to establish long-term relationships with our clients by exceeding their expectations.”