Tickle College of Engineering Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Michael Danquah, was awarded the 2023 Joseph N. Cannon Award for Excellence in Chemical Engineering at the 2023 National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) annual conference. This award recognizes an individual for excellent achievement in one or more aspects of chemical engineering, including teaching, research and development, management, leadership, publications, technology development, patents, engineering and construction, process operations and supply.

Danquah, who joined TCE in July, has an impressive background in chemical engineering. Prior to his current role, he served as a Guerry Professor and Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, as well as the Director of the chemical engineering program, at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana in 2004, and his doctorate in the same from Monash University in Australia.

Danquah’s research focuses on biopharmaceutical development, targeted drug delivery, biosensing, and environmental remediation. His dedication and contributions to these fields have been recognized through prestigious societies, as he is a fellow of both the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Royal Society of Chemistry. His research has resulted in over 320 peer-reviewed publications and more than 18,000 citations.

“It is my ambition to continue leveraging my research activities to address challenges related to health and the environment,” Danquah said.

This most-recent award holds profound significance within the realm of chemical engineering and is a testament to his dedication and accomplishments in the field.

The NOBCChE conference provided a vital platform for networking and mentorship, benefiting students at all academic levels and seasoned professionals alike. It served as an arena for stimulating scientific discussions through technical programming and played a pivotal role in supporting the personal and professional development of both students and professionals within the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering.