In recognition of sustained excellence in innovation and education, Umit Ozkan has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2024. Ozkan, a Distinguished University Professor, was elected “for research in electrocatalysis and elucidation of mechanisms of oxidation catalysis.” Also chair of the William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ozkan is an internationally recognized leader in thermal-catalytic and electro-catalytic manipulations of hydrocarbons. 

In recognition of sustained excellence in innovation and education, Antonio Conejo has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2024. Conejo was elected “for power systems planning and electricity markets.” His research interests include control, operations, planning and economics of electric energy systems, as well as statistics and optimization theory and its applications.

The National Science Foundation has awarded Assistant Professor Xiaoguang (William) Wang a five-year Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award. The award will support his research on polymer properties for a variety of use applications, including renewable energy and battery development.

The Charles Goodyear Medal is the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society's highest honor. Established in 1941, the award recognizes individuals for outstanding invention, innovation, or development that has resulted in a significant change or contribution to the nature of the rubber industry. Katrina Cornish's Lab Group is currently working to develop a domestic natural rubber crop in Ohio and for the U.S., especially as natural rubber security is becoming a major problem for the United States with sustainability implications.

Rafiq Islam, a soil scientist at The Ohio State University, has received his university’s Commercialization Achievement Award in recognition of a 2021 licensing agreement for the rapid and low-cost soil health test he spent over a decade developing and perfecting.

At a special reception held on Thursday, April 20, Thomas Darrah, PhD, professor in the College of Arts and Science's School of Earth Sciences was named The Ohio State University 2023 Innovator of the Year. 

Faculty members are recognized for their contributions to the development and implementation of university policies and programs through non-administrative roles, while continuing to teach and pursue scholarship.

Gina Jaquet’s dedication to sustainability combined with her work ethic helped propel Ohio State forward as a leader in sustainability education. Gina led a variety of university-wide efforts, including developing student learning programs; supporting interdisciplinary curriculum; surveying all undergraduate programs and courses with a sustainability component; and building a faculty network that led to a multidimensional framework for sustainability at Ohio State. 

Matthew Sullivan, PhD, professor of microbiology in the College of Arts and Sciences with a joint appointment in the Department of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, has earned The Ohio State University 2023 Distinguished Scholar Award. Senior leadership in the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge surprised Sullivan with the honor at a recent faculty meeting.    

Christo Sevov, PhD, assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Chemistry and Biochemistry department, has earned The Ohio State University 2023 Early Career Distinguished Scholar Award. Senior leadership in the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge surprised Sevov with the honor at a recent faculty meeting.