Robert Y. Ofoli
| Robert Y. Ofoli | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| 🏫 Education | University of Maine (BS) Michigan State University (PhD) Carnegie Mellon University (PhD) |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| Known for | Nanocatalysis Plastics upcycling |
| 🏅 Awards | AIChE Fellow (2018) AIChE Gary Leach Award (2007) |
Robert Y. Ofoli is an American chemical engineer and academic who is an associate professor of chemical engineering and materials science at Michigan State University. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), elected in 2018 for his contributions to nanocatalysis and nanostructured interfaces.[1][2]
Education
Ofoli received a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural mechanization from the University of Maine.[3] He subsequently earned two doctoral degrees: a PhD in agricultural engineering from Michigan State University in 1984, and a PhD in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1994.[2]
Career
Ofoli joined Michigan State University, where he has served as faculty adviser for the AIChE Student Chapter since 1996.[4] His research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of nanoscale catalysts for sustainable production of fuels and materials. More recently, his work has addressed plastics upcycling to promote a circular economy, and earth-abundant catalyst complexes for sustainable fuel production.[3]
As a co-investigator on a $2 million National Science Foundation grant, Ofoli participated in research to chemically upcycle waste plastics such as polyethylene into higher-value materials like nylon.[5] The project engaged students from Michigan's tribal colleges as research aides.[5]
Ofoli has mentored 13 PhD and 12 master's students from diverse countries in three disciplines: chemical engineering, agricultural engineering, and food science.[4] He served as Faculty Excellence Advocate for the MSU College of Engineering, a position focused on ensuring equitable processes in faculty hiring and promotion.[4]
Professional service
Ofoli has held several leadership roles within AIChE. He served as chair of the AIChE Career and Education Operating Council in 2017,[2] and has held various positions with the national Chem-E-Car program, including membership on the team that revamped its safety operations.[3] He served as chair of the AIChE Fellows Council, where he worked to diversify the fellowship's membership.[4] He was a candidate in the 2024 AIChE elections.[3]
At Michigan State, Ofoli has served on the University Committee on Academic Governance, University Council, and Faculty Senate.[4]
Awards and honors
- Fellow, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (2018)[1]
- AIChE Gary Leach Award (2007)[2]
- MSU College of Engineering Withrow Teaching Excellence Award (twice)[4]
- MSU College of Engineering Excellence in Diversity Award – Sustained Excellence (2022)[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "New fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers". MSU Today. Michigan State University. March 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Robert Y. Ofoli". College of Engineering. Michigan State University. March 27, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Meet AIChE's 2024 Election Candidates". ChEnected. American Institute of Chemical Engineers. July 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 "Withrow and Engineering Awards 2022". College of Engineering. Michigan State University. February 1, 2022. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Reincarnating plastics". MSU Today. Michigan State University. December 9, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
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