Samuel Conway
Chemist, Anthrocon chairman, and furry fandom storyteller.
Samuel Charles Conway (born June 4, 1965) is an American organic chemist whose professional career has spanned the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and agrochemical sectors. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Dartmouth College in 1991, following his undergraduate studies at Ursinus College. His doctoral thesis focused on the attempted generation of indolyne, an aromatic compound related to indole. After completing his doctorate, Conway held a postdoctoral position in Chicago and subsequently worked as a contractor for the Food and Drug Administration. He later served as a researcher for Bionetics, a medicinal chemist at Avid Therapeutics, and a researcher for Message Pharmaceuticals. He spent two years in organ distribution at the National Disease Research Interchange before becoming a regulatory chemist for the crop protection company Cerexagri. In 2007, he became a principal chemist for West Pharmaceutical Services. Conway has authored eleven professional publications and holds two patents: one for compounds intended to treat hepatitis B in synergy with lamivudine, and another for recyclable packaging material. His work has appeared in journals such as *Heterocycles*, *Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy*, and *Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters*.
Alongside his scientific work, Conway is a prominent figure in the furry fandom. Introduced to the community at the 1989 Worldcon, he became chairman and chief organizer of Anthrocon in 1999 after being a guest of honor the previous year. Under his leadership, the convention was incorporated, moved from its original location to Philadelphia, and later to Pittsburgh as attendance grew from 842 to over 3,390. He manages public relations, hotel contracts, finances, and media access, often discouraging members from engaging with the press due to past sensationalist coverage, though he has relaxed this stance in Pittsburgh. Known within the fandom as "Uncle Kage," Conway performs annual storytelling sessions at Anthrocon, a tradition that began at ConFurence in 1994. He also serves as an auctioneer, having raised over $66,000 for wildlife charities at Anthrocon alone, and has published short stories in works such as *Flights of Fantasy* and *HistoriMorphs*.
- born
- June 4, 1965
- field
- Organic chemistry (pharmaceutical, biomedical, agrochemical)
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Chairman of Anthrocon; furry fandom activities; storytelling as 'Uncle Kage'; volunteer emergency coordination; bone marrow donation
Lore & Background
Samuel Charles Conway, born June 4, 1965, is an American organic chemist and prominent figure in the furry fandom. He earned his Ph.D. from Dartmouth College, where his thesis focused on the attempted generation of indolyne. His professional career spans pharmaceutical, biomedical, and agrochemical research, including roles as a contractor for the Food and Drug Administration, a medicinal chemist for Avid Therapeutics, and a regulatory chemist for Cerexagri. He has authored eleven professional publications and holds two patents: one for compounds targeting hepatitis B in synergy with lamivudine, and another for recyclable packaging material. Since 1999, Conway has served as chairman and chief organizer of Anthrocon, one of the world’s largest furry conventions. Under his leadership, the convention moved from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, with attendance growing substantially. He handles public relations, hotel contracts, finances, and media access, generally discouraging members from engaging with mass media due to past sensationalist coverage. Known within the fandom as "Uncle Kage," he performs annual storytelling sessions at Anthrocon and other conventions, and has raised over $66,000 for wildlife charities through auctions. He has also published short stories, including "Tweaked in the Head" and "The Secret of Wollknäul."
Reader's Guide
Samuel Conway's significance lies in his dual career as a research chemist and a central figure in the furry fandom. As chairman of Anthrocon since 1999, he transformed a small gathering into one of the world's largest furry conventions, navigating growth, relocation, and media relations. His approach to media—initially restrictive, later selectively open—reflects a pragmatic response to sensationalist coverage. Conway's storytelling, auctioneering, and charity work have further cemented his role as a community leader. His legacy includes not only the convention's expansion but also his contributions to fandom culture through entertainment and fundraising. Outside fandom, his scientific publications and patents, along with his early bone marrow donation, demonstrate a broader commitment to research and volunteerism.
Did You Know?
- Conway's stage name 'Uncle Kage' derives from his fandom name Kagemushi Goro, a reference to Kagemusha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Samuel Conway in the context of 'Criminals And Outlaws 1-24'?
Despite the series title, Samuel Charles Conway (b. June 4, 1965) is not a criminal or outlaw. He is an American organic chemist specializing in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and agrochemical research, and he is best known as the long-serving chairman of Anthrocon, one of the largest furry conventions.
What are Samuel Conway's 'powers' or primary role?
He has no fictional superpowers; his real-world roles include organic chemistry research, chairing and organizing Anthrocon, storytelling under the name 'Uncle Kage,' auctioneering, and volunteer emergency coordination.
How does Samuel Conway's story end?
There is no criminal narrative to resolve. As a living person, he continues his work in chemistry and his ongoing leadership of the Anthrocon community, including bone marrow donation and volunteer service.
Why is Samuel Conway included in a 'criminals and outlaws' reference?
He is not actually a criminal; the inclusion appears to be a mislabeling. His significance lies in his decades of service as Anthrocon's chief organizer, his storytelling, and his contributions to the furry fandom and broader volunteer work.
What is Samuel Conway's nationality and professional field?
He is American and works in organic chemistry with a focus on pharmaceutical, biomedical, and agrochemical research, while simultaneously dedicating extensive time to convention organizing and community storytelling.
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