Prof. Dr. Ümit Özkan, an alumna of the METU Department of Chemical Engineering Class of 1978, has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in the United States. Recognized for her research in electrocatalysis and elucidation of mechanisms of oxidation catalysis, Prof. Özkan currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Ohio State University.
Being elected as a member to NAE is considered one of the highest professional honors for an engineer. Engineers who have significantly contributed to engineering research, practice, and education, as well as those who have pioneered new and emerging fields of technology, made substantial advancements in traditional engineering areas, or developed innovative approaches to engineering education, can be elected as NAE members. New members are selected for the academy through an extensive year-long evaluation process.
Among Prof. Özkan’s fields of research are the thermal-catalytic and electro-catalytic manipulations of hydrocarbons. A recognized scientist in these areas, Özkan has received numerous awards in the fields of hydrocarbon and petroleum chemistry. Furthermore, she became the first woman to receive the Henry H. Storch Award in Energy and Fuels from the American Chemical Society (ACS) in 2017 and the Burwell Education Award from the North American Catalysis Society in 2023.
About NAE
Founded in 1964, the National Academy of Engineering is a private and independent non-profit organization that pioneers in the field of engineering. The institution defines its mission as providing independent counseling on issues involving engineering and technology, contributing to the increase and development of national welfare, promoting engineering as a profession, and enhancing public interest and appreciation in engineering.
For detailed information regarding the new members elected to NAE in 2024, you can visit their page: https://www.nae.edu/312025/NAENewClass2024
