The Department of Chemistry community is mourning the loss of Professor Dwight Seferos after his passing on Monday March 2, 2026.
Seferos was a Seattle, Washington native. He received a B.S. from Western Washington University and a Ph.D. with Guillermo Bazan at UC, Santa Barbara. After completing an American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship, Dwight joined the faculty of the Chemistry Department at U of T in 2009. His work in polymers and materials chemistry garnered recognition and many awards, including a 2018 Strategic Partnership Grant from NSERC and a 2024 CSC Award for Research Excellence in Materials Chemistry.
He was a dedicated mentor whose enthusiasm for science shaped the careers of countless undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers. Deeply committed to advancing the discipline and supporting young researchers, he fostered an environment where curiosity, collaboration, and innovation could thrive.
“Our community is deeply affected by this horrible news," said Professor Mark Lautens, Chair of the Department of Chemistry. "We know Dwight as a star researcher and mentor, but of course he was so much more than that. We send our condolences to his family and his scientific family. He was an amazing contributor to our department and to the entire global community of chemists.”
The department sends its condolences to Dwight’s wife, Amy, and the many family members, students and colleagues who remember him with affection. Details about a memorial service will be shared with the community once arrangements have been finalized.