In the vast universe of chemical research, being named an ACS Fellow represents a constellation of the field's brightest stars.
Every year, the American Chemical Society (ACS)—the world's largest scientific society with over 157,000 members—bestows one of its highest honors upon a select group of members. The ACS Fellows Program, created in 2008, recognizes outstanding achievements in both scientific research and professional service. Election as an ACS Fellow signifies exceptional contributions to the advancement of chemistry and dedicated service to the scientific community.
The 2018 class of ACS Fellows comprised just 51 distinguished scientists from academia, industry, and government laboratories, representing a tiny fraction of the society's massive membership. These individuals were celebrated at the society's fall national meeting in Boston in August 2018, joining an elite group of innovators who have left an indelible mark on their field 2 7 .
Distinguished Fellows
ACS Members
Program Established
The 2018 ACS Fellows class represented a cross-section of chemical disciplines, with honorees making significant contributions across numerous specialties including energy research, nuclear chemistry, materials science, and chemical education. Their work demonstrates the transformative power of chemistry in addressing some of society's most pressing challenges.
Recognized for "contributions impacting the availability and operation of gasifiers and fluidized bed combustors through excellence in fundamental and applied clean energy research, and outstanding energy engineering education" 7 .
A pioneering nuclear chemist who has made systematic studies of nuclear reactions that create super-heavy elements. He pioneered the use of radioactive beams in heavy-element synthesis, greatly expanding the range of nuclear reactions possible 9 .
Honored for "breakthroughs in methods development, achievements in natural product total synthesis, and transformative chemical educational initiatives" alongside impactful community outreach and service to chemical organizations 4 .
These scientists exemplify the dual commitment to research excellence and professional service that the ACS Fellows program celebrates. Their work spans from fundamental research to practical applications that benefit society.
| Name | Institution | Primary Research Area | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarma Pisupati | Penn State University | Energy Engineering | Clean energy research, gasifier operation, energy education |
| Walter Loveland | Oregon State University | Nuclear Chemistry | Super-heavy element synthesis, radioactive beam applications |
| Neil K. Garg | UCLA | Organic Chemistry | Methods development, natural product synthesis, educational initiatives |
| Judy E. Kim | UC San Diego | Physical Chemistry | Spectroscopy, biomolecular imaging |
| Burnaby Munson | University of Delaware | Analytical Chemistry | Mass spectrometry techniques |
The ACS Fellows selection process is highly competitive, with nominations typically due in the first quarter of the year. The program recognizes members for excellence in two defined areas: scientific/professional accomplishments and service to the ACS community 4 . Nominations can be coordinated by any ACS member, local section, division, or committee, requiring a comprehensive nomination packet that demonstrates both research impact and professional service 1 .
The selection criteria emphasize sustained contributions rather than single achievements. For scientific contributions, committee members look for research that has advanced the field, innovative methodologies, and publications or patents with significant impact. For professional service, they consider activities such as mentoring, outreach, committee work, and leadership roles within ACS 1 4 .
First quarter of the year
Nominations are submitted by ACS members, local sections, divisions, or committees with comprehensive documentation.
Spring
Selection committee evaluates candidates based on scientific achievements and professional service contributions.
Early Summer
Final selections are made and candidates are notified of their election as ACS Fellows.
Fall National Meeting
New Fellows are honored at the ACS National Meeting with a special ceremony and reception.
One particularly fascinating area of research among 2018 Fellows is Walter Loveland's work on synthesizing superheavy elements—artificial elements with atomic numbers higher than those found in nature. This research helps expand our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of matter and pushes the boundaries of the periodic table.
The process of creating superheavy elements involves sophisticated nuclear reactions and detection methods:
Researchers choose specific combinations of atomic nuclei that, when fused, will produce the desired heavy element. Loveland pioneered using radioactive isotopes as projectiles, expanding beyond previously limited stable isotopes 9 .
Ions are accelerated to high velocities in particle accelerators and directed at target materials. The energy must be precisely controlled—too little and the nuclei won't fuse; too much and the compound nucleus will break apart.
Newly formed atoms are separated from unreacted material and other reaction products using electromagnetic separators. Detection occurs through measurement of characteristic decay patterns and energies.
The discovery must be confirmed through repeated experiments and independent verification. Loveland and colleagues experimentally confirmed the discovery of element 110 in 2003, the culmination of research begun in the early 1990s 9 .
Loveland's landmark 1979 publication in Science with Seaborg and Morrissey explained why scientists were finding it difficult to synthesize superheavy elements using complete fusion reactions 9 . His subsequent work developing radioactive beams opened new pathways for element synthesis.
This research has profound implications for our understanding of nuclear structure and stability. It explores questions about the limits of nuclear existence and how protons and neutrons arrange themselves in extreme conditions. The resulting knowledge helps refine nuclear models and predicts the properties of elements yet to be synthesized.
| Element | Atomic Number | Year of Discovery | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutherfordium | 104 | 1969 | First of the "superheavy" elements |
| Dubnium | 105 | 1968 | Controversial discovery spurred methodological improvements |
| Seaborgium | 106 | 1974 | First element named for a living person (Glenn T. Seaborg) |
| Oganesson | 118 | 2002 | Heaviest element known, completes period 7 of periodic table |
Modern chemical research relies on sophisticated instrumentation and methodologies. The work of the 2018 ACS Fellows demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary chemistry, drawing from physics, engineering, and materials science.
Purified beams of unstable atomic nuclei used to study nuclear reactions; essential for synthesizing new elements beyond uranium 9 .
Specialized systems for studying cleaner coal combustion and conversion processes; central to energy research like that of Sarma Pisupati 7 .
Single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that bind specific targets; used in biosensors and chemical analysis, as developed by researchers like Weihong Tan 8 .
Instruments that measure mass-to-charge ratios of ions; fundamental to analytical chemistry across multiple subdisciplines 8 .
| Instrument | Primary Function | Representative Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Mass Spectrometer | Measures mass-to-charge ratio of ions | Identifying unknown compounds, determining elemental composition |
| Nuclear Reactor/Particle Accelerator | Provides neutron sources or accelerated particles | Nuclear chemistry, element synthesis, materials analysis |
| Chromatography Systems | Separates chemical mixtures | Purifying compounds, analyzing complex mixtures |
| Spectrophotometers | Measures light absorption or emission | Determining concentrations, studying reaction kinetics |
| Electron Microscopes | Provides high-resolution imaging | Characterizing nanomaterials, studying surface morphology |
The 2018 class of ACS Fellows represents the diverse excellence within the chemical sciences. From energy solutions to nuclear chemistry and educational innovation, these scientists have made contributions that extend far beyond their laboratories. Their work addresses global challenges in energy, environment, and education while advancing fundamental knowledge.
The ACS Fellows program continues to honor those who exemplify the highest standards of scientific achievement and professional service. As these 51 fellows continue their work, they inspire the next generation of chemists to pursue both scientific excellence and meaningful contributions to their professional communities. Their collective achievements underscore the vital role of chemistry in creating a better, more sustainable future for all.
As we look toward new discoveries on the horizon, the 2018 Fellows serve as reminders that scientific progress depends not only on brilliant researchers but on dedicated mentors, committed educators, and active professional citizens who strengthen the scientific ecosystem through their service.