Alper Receives TAMEST’s 2019 O’Donnell Award in Engineering
Hal S. Alper, Ph.D. is the recipient of the 2019 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Engineering from TAMEST (The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas).
Dr. Alper’s research looks for sustainable ways to create new molecules that can be used for plastics, drugs and other products that typically require petroleum products as a feedstock. His work has the potential to significantly reduce pollution in the chemical industry by reducing and reusing waste. His innovative, paradigm-changing approach could lead to new drugs and sustainable plastics at an industrial scale.
“What he is developing and doing right now with his metabolic techniques isn’t just for drugs or bioplastics, there may be new chemicals that can be designed that way,” says Nicholas A. Peppas, Sc.D., Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering #6, Family Chair for Department Leadership #1, and Professor of Chemical Engineering at Texas ChE. “He is the right person at the right time.”
Dr. Alper is the Associate Chair and Paul D. & Betty Robertson Meek Centennial Professor in Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. Learn more about Dr. Alper and his discoveries.
“The TAMEST Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards highlight the groundbreaking research taking place in Texas,” says TAMEST President Gordon England. “The discoveries by these researchers are advancing science and improving lives. TAMEST is proud to celebrate Dr. Alper for his achievements.”
Over $1 million has been awarded to more than 50 recipients in the categories of medicine, engineering, science and technology innovation since the inception of the O’Donnell awards in 2006. The awards are named in honor of Edith and Peter O’Donnell, who are among Texas’ staunchest advocates for excellence in scientific advancement and STEM education. Read more about the 2019 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards recipients.
About TAMEST:
TAMEST (The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas) is the state’s premier scientific organization, bringing together Texas’ best and brightest scientists and researchers. TAMEST membership includes all Texas-based members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the state’s Nobel Laureates.
>>See the TAMEST 2019 O’Donnell award announcement
Tags: Cockrell School of Engineering, Dr. Hal Alper, Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award, TAMEST, Texas ChE