Robert A. Scala ’56M (MS), ’58M (MD)

Robert A. Scala is the former senior scientific advisor of Exxon Biomedical Sciences Corp. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hamilton College in 1953, and received his master’s degree and his doctorate degree in physiology from the University of Rochester in 1956 and 1958, respectively. 

Upon completion of his graduate studies, Scala joined the Advisory Center on Toxicology at the National Academy of Sciences – National Research Council. In 1960, he joined Hazleton Laboratories, a contract research organization at which he held a number of successive management positions, including director of laboratory operations. In 1965, Scala accepted an offer to join one of his clients, Exxon Biomedical Sciences, where he developed and supervised testing programs, established a state-of-the-art toxicology laboratory, and advised management and operating organizations worldwide. While working and well into retirement in 1991, he has served as adjunct professor at the Institute of Environmental Medicine at New York University, at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), at Rutgers University, and as an adjunct associate professor at the Medical College of Virginia. 

He remains closely connected to the University community as an alumni leader and generous supporter. He served from 2002 to 2009 on the School of Medicine and Dentistry’s Alumni Council, including three years as president, beginning in 2006. He is currently a member of the University-wide Alumni National Council. Scala and his wife, Janet (Eddy) Scala ’55N, have established three scholarships, the Scala Nursing Scholarship in the School of Nursing, the Scala Endowed Scholarship in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and the Scala Medical Graduate Studies Scholarship (Environmental Sciences).

Scala is a member, distinguished fellow, and past president and historian of the Society of Toxicology. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Society of Toxicology Merit Award, the American College of Toxicology Distinguished Service Award, and the Johns Hopkins Recognition Award of the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing. The Scala Award and Lectureship at UMDNJ, presented annually by the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, was established in his honor.

The Scalas reside in Tucson, Arizona. They have four grown children, John ’80, Peter, Anne and Jeanne, and nine grandchildren, including Andrew, a member of the Class of 2011.