COLLEGE STATION, TX, January 20, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Coran M.H. Watanabe, PhD, CF-L2, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Watanabe has served as a professor of chemical biology at Texas A&M University since 2002. In this capacity, she teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses, including Chem 640, a graduate-level chemical biology course, and Chem 258, a sophomore organic chemistry course. Each year, Dr. Watanabe instructs between 400 and 500 students, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to believe in themselves and develop resilience. She considers her most significant achievement to be inspiring students to recognize their potential, emphasizing that perseverance and self-belief are essential for success. Dr. Watanabe has also served as a counselor with the American Chemical Society, contributing her expertise to the advancement of the field.

Prior to her tenure at Texas A&M University, Dr. Watanabe completed postdoctoral work at the University of California, Berkeley and Scripps Research Institute. During her time at Scripps Research Institute, she worked under the guidance of her former professor, Professor Peter Schultz, who now serves as the institution's president.

Dr. Watanabe's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Hawaii in 1992, where she graduated with high honors. She then pursued doctoral studies at Johns Hopkins University, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in biosynthesis in 1998 with Professor Craig Townsend. Her advanced training continued through postdoctoral research at two leading institutions: the University of California, Berkeley and Scripps Research Institute. Dr. Watanabe holds a CrossFit Level 2 certification, which reflects her commitment to fitness and complements her holistic approach to teaching and mentoring.

Throughout her career, Dr. Watanabe has attributed her achievements to tenacity and resilience. She describes herself as relentless and emphasizes the importance of perseverance in academia. The refrain from Chumbawamba's song encapsulates her philosophy: "I get knocked down, but I get up again; you're never gonna keep me down." This mindset has been instrumental in her professional accomplishments and continues to guide her approach as an educator and mentor.

Dr. Watanabe's contributions extend beyond academia through her involvement with civic organizations such as the American Cancer Society, where she is an active supporter. Her research excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Lead Award from Texas A&M University in 2019, the Rising Star Award from ACS Progress and Dreyfus in 2008, the American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award in 2007 and the Research Innovation Award from Research Corporation in 2003. She is also an accomplished author with numerous published papers that have contributed to advancements in chemical biology.

Born in Honolulu, Dr. Watanabe enjoys CrossFit and finds satisfaction in mastering complex gymnastic skills. Looking ahead, she aims to help others understand that success is rooted in self-belief and resilience. She plans to teach this philosophy across various domains, including academia, fitness and nutrition.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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