“Multidisciplinary teams will be the main force driving the development of the products, materials and technologies that advance civilization in the 21st century,” said Eli Pearce, president of the American Chemical Society. “Individual members of the team share knowledge to achieve a common goal, achieving more than each could alone. Thus, the team becomes a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.”
The new process — which uses microorganisms to convert one chemical into another — eliminates the use of the harmful chemical toluene and generates less waste. The herbicide, called Milestone® (azafenidin), inhibits weeds’ ability to make chlorophyll and controls many annual broadleaf weeds and grasses found in citrus, grape and sugarcane crops.
The American Chemical Society’s Industrial Innovation Awards recognize individuals and teams whose discoveries and inventions contribute to the commercial success of their companies and enhance our quality of life.
NOTE TO REPORTERS: The winners will present 20-minute talks about their work on Wednesday, May 29, from 2:30-5 p.m. If you would like to attend the awards banquet or presentations, please contact the person listed above.
Robert DiCosimo, Ph.D. is a research fellow at DuPont. He received his B.A. in chemistry from Rutgers University in 1978 and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1982. He resides in Rockland, Del.
Susan K. Fager is a research technician at DuPont. She joined DuPont in 1966 and has contributed to many research and commercialization projects in her more than 30 years of service. She resides in North East, Md.
F. Glenn Gallagher is a research associate at DuPont. He received his B.S. in chemical engineering from Lehigh University in 1974. He resides in Wilmington, Del.
John E. Gavagan is a research biochemist at DuPont. He received his M.S. degree from the University of Arizona in 1974. He resides in Wilmington, Del.
Eugenia C. Hann is a research technician at DuPont. She received her B.A. in biology from Rowan University in 1977. She resides in Carneys Point, N.J.
Susan M. Hennessey is a senior research engineer at DuPont. She received her B.S. in chemical engineering from Widener University in 1986 and her M.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware in 2001. She resides in Avondale, Pa.
Neal E. Perkins is a staff technologist at DuPont. He received his B.A. in political science from the University of Delaware. He resides in Landenberg, Pa.
Amy E. Sigmund is a research technician at DuPont. She studied chemistry at the University of Delaware, ending in 1983. She resides in Bear, Del.
Barry Stieglitz, Ph.D., is a senior research associate at DuPont. He received his B.S. in chemistry from Brooklyn College in 1965 and his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Cornell University in 1970. He resides in Wynnewood, Pa.