A member of the FSU faculty since 2000, Alabugin is a Distinguished Research Professor whose work bridges synthetic and theoretical organic chemistry. His research group is known for integrating experimental and theoretical approaches to discover new reactions, reveal hidden stereoelectronic effects, and design unusual molecules with applications for molecular electronics.

In 2023, Alabugin received the Southern Chemist Award from the American Chemical Society for his pioneering contributions to organic chemistry. His honors also include the 2022 George Gamow Award, the 2022 Florida State University Distinguished Research Professor Award, the 2017 Florida Award from the American Chemical Society (ACS), and the 2011 ACS Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award, among others, recognizing his sustained innovation in the field of chemical reactivity.

In addition to his research accomplishments, Alabugin is a dedicated mentor and educator, having guided numerous undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Chemistry and a member of editorial boards for several leading journals in the chemical sciences.