WVU engineering professor named American Institute of Chemical Engineers Fellow

Richard Turton, Bolton Professor and chair of the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

Richard Turton, Bolton Professor and chair of the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at West Virginia University, hasbeen named a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, one of the organization’s highest honors.

By Adrianne Uphold
Multimedia Intern

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Turton has been a member of AIChE since he was a graduate student at Oregon State University after graduating from the University of Nottinghamin England more than three decades ago. AIChE is the world’s largest organization for chemical engineering professionals, which boasts more than 60,000 members in 110 countries.

Nominated by peers and elected by the AIChE Board of Directors, Turton’s recognition represents one of the pinnacles of professional achievement that a chemical engineer can obtain.

“It’s very important for any chemical engineer to become a member of this organization,” Turton said. “It has helped me connect with others, make contacts and network. It’s an honor to be picked and I will continue to provide leadership in future volunteer activities.”

To be considered for this honor, candidates are expected to have 25 years of experience in chemical engineering and have been a member of the organization for at least 10 years.

Turton explained AIChE Fellows are expected to provide guidance to the Institute’s membership and leadership through committee participation in a variety of areas such as volunteering. Turton will continue to participate in the engineering education initiatives within AIChE.

Turton has been chair of the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering since 2018. He has been a WVU faculty member since 1986, conducting extensive research in the areas of process simulation of power generating plants and particle and powder technology.

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