The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) will spotlight the extraordinary societal contributions of chemical engineers and the companies that employ them during the organization’s 2022 Gala on December 1 in New York City. Organized around the theme “Engineering the Extraordinary,” the gala will honor energy company Chevron not only for its engineering commitment to a low-carbon energy future but also for its dedication to promoting diversity in the workforce, according to the organization. Chevron will be represented at the gala by Michael K. Wirth, Chevron’s chairman of the board and chief executive officer.
Ecolab, a water, hygiene and infection prevention company, will also be honored. Ecolab is being recognized for improving the efficiencies and sustainability of industries including food and healthcare, according to the AIChE. Christophe Beck, chairman and CEO of Ecolab, will accept this recognition at the gala.
Additionally, AIChE will present its Doing a World of Good Medal to Paula T. Hammond, professor and head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A member of MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Hammond is being honored for her wide-ranging impact on engineering and society. Her pioneering engineering of polymers and nanomaterials for drug delivery and medical applications has improved healthcare options, while her work with solar cells and battery technologies has contributed to efforts to mitigate climate change, according to the organization. Hammond is also being recognized for her dedication to creating a more inclusive science and engineering workforce.
Darlene Schuster, AIChE’s chief executive officer and executive director, says in a press release from the organization, “AIChE is delighted to recognize the technical and humanitarian contributions of this year’s gala honorees and their organizations. These leaders exemplify the engineering profession and the many ways that engineering continues to improve the quality of life for all.”
The gala is organized by the AIChE Foundation. Funds raised will underwrite AIChE’s Doing a World of Good campaign to support K-12 programs and expand opportunities for underrepresented students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields.
Read the press release at www.aiche.org