S. Ted Oyama

S. Ted Oyama, University of Toyko and Virginia Tech

The Division of Energy & Fuels of the American Chemical Society has selected Prof. S. Ted Oyama as recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Researcher Award.   Prof. Oyama is Prof. of Chemical Systems Engineering Dept. at the University of Tokyo and the Chemical Engineering Dept. at Virginia Tech.
 Prof. Oyama has been recognized for his substantial contributions to the field of heterogeneous catalysis, in particular in the hydrodesulfurization and hydrodenitrogenation of petroleum and coal-derived feedstocks.  He discovered transition metal phosphides, a class of highly active catalysts for oil refining and biomass upgrading.   His research in this area has involved the development of new compositions and the study of reaction mechanisms by the application of spectroscopic techniques at reaction conditions.  Prof. Oyama has also worked in the field of inorganic membranes where he has advanced the theory and application of silica and palladium membranes for the separation of hydrogen.  He is the author of over 220 refereed publications and his research achievements have been recognized with the Humboldt Senior Researcher Award (2009), the Philadelphia Catalysis Club Award (2009), the Alumni Award for Research Excellence (2008), and a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship (2007).
In addition to his activities in research, Prof. Oyama has been recognized also for his extensive service to the ACS, of which he was elected Fellow (2011). He was Chair of the Northern New York Section (1990-1993) and Chair of the Division of Petroleum Chemistry (2009-2010).  He has been member of the Program Committee (1991-present) and has organized numerous symposia at National Meetings and recruited many symposium organizers and committee members.