Each spring, the department recognizes the outstanding work of its faculty, staff, and students with several awards. It also inducts new members into its Hall of Fame. Congratulations to all award recipients and the new inductees!
Student Awards
AIChE Service Award
Maria Bruce
Awarded annually for outstanding service to the department and the student section of the professional society American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
CBE Outstanding Junior Award
James Baker and Seth Crawford
Department award for highest academic achievement among third year students based on cumulative GPA and other academic metrics.
Most Exceptional Student Award
Preston Nicely
The highest academic honor bestowed by the department to graduating seniors, chosen annually based on GPA and other academic considerations.
Kenneth M. Elliott Outstanding Senior Award
Samantha Cahill and Evan Newell
An award to the outstanding graduating senior who has displayed academic talent and leadership.
Jim and Sändra McKinley Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Naijia Hao
The department’s highest award for graduate students presented annually to the graduating PhD student with the most impressive record of accomplishment in research and instruction.
Professor Jack S. Watson Undergraduate Award for Excellence in Separation Research
Cora Smith and Michael Player
Awarded annually to the undergraduate student who has performed research in the separations area of chemical engineering practice and achieved significant progress.
Alpha Chi Sigma Albert Cooper Award
Chachthida Sukitjavanich
Annual award presented to an outstanding CBE student by the professional fraternity of chemical sciences.
American Chemical Society Outstanding Senior Award
Woodi Woodland
Annual award to a graduating senior presented by the American Chemical Society for academic accomplishment and research progress.
AIChE Outstanding Student Award
Kaylie Richard
Annual award to a graduating senior presented by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers for academic accomplishment.
AIChE Outstanding Baccalaureate Award
Edward Michaud
Annual award to a graduating senior presented by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers for outstanding accomplishments during the pursuit of the BS degree in chemical engineering. Selection is based on a variety of factors, including academic and research accomplishments.
Faculty and Staff Awards
Outstanding Staff Member Award
Brock Ellis
Senior Technical Specialist I
Annual award for the staff member who goes above and beyond expectations to keep the department running smoothly and efficiently.
Outstanding Teacher Award
S. Michael Kilbey
Professor
Award for outstanding classroom and laboratory instruction in CBE coursework, as voted by CBE graduate and undergraduate students. Winner must be at least one year away from receiving this award previously.
Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award
Eric Boder
Career Development Associate Professor
Annual award for most dedication and excellence in advising students, as voted by CBE graduate and undergraduate students. Winner must be at least one year away from receiving this award previously.
Tom and Ruth Clark Excellence in Chemical Engineering Award
Steve Abel
Assistant Professor
Award for excellence in chemical engineering education, research, and service, sponsored annually by Tom and Ruth Clark. Selection is made by the CBE award committee.
Hall of Fame 2020 Inductees
The CBE Department Hall of Fame honors CBE alumni and faculty who have made outstanding contributions to the profession, the department, and society in general over their careers.
Homer Johnson
Homer Johnson joined the chemical engineering faculty in 1949 and served as professor and head of the Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Polymer Engineering from 1960 until his retirement in 1984. Under Johnson’s able leadership, the department grew from a small group of six professors to one of the larger departments in the college. Read Johnson’s full bio.
Oscar Martin Jr.
Oscar Martin Jr. graduated from UT with a master’s in chemical engineering in 1996. He has had an accomplished career of 19+ years at DuPont and is currently serving as North American Regional Technology Leader. He has many patents to his name and launched his own company and online school, TechnologyEd, in recognition of the need for more flexible classes for the working adults. Read Martin’s full bio.