Coughlin Named Fellow of American Chemical Society

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E. Bryan Coughlin, head of polymer science and engineering, has been selected as a 2018 fellow of the American Chemical Society, which recognizes members for outstanding achievements in and contributions to science, the profession and the society. The honor was announced in the society’s weekly magazine, Chemical & Engineering News.  

Coughlin is credited as a co-inventor of DuPont’s Versipol polyolefin technology platform and noted for his pioneering work in functional polymeric materials. He also served the society’s polymer science and materials engineering division in many leadership roles including chair, vice-chair, past chair, treasurer and membership chair and currently as a member of the finance committee. ACS’s 2018 fellows will be honored at a special ceremony during the national meeting on Aug. 20 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. 

There are only about 1,000 ACS fellows among the society’s full membership of more than 157,000. Coughlin says, “I am proud to join my colleagues Todd Emrick who was elected in 2014, Greg Tew and Kenneth Carter who were elected in 2013 and Maria Santore who was elected in 2010.”

Dean Tricia Serio of the College of Natural Sciences says, “Dr. Coughlin’s pioneering research and strong commitment to and leadership in service exemplify the excellence for which we strive in CNS. I’m thrilled to see him recognized by the ACS with this high honor.”

ACS notes that although the designation “fellow” has been adopted by many professional societies, the criteria for awarding this designation vary significantly. For some, such as the Royal Society of Chemistry, the fellow designation indicates a senior membership level, signifying that the individual has attained a particular status within the profession. For others, such as the American Physical Society, the designation indicates that the individual has been recognized by his or her peers for significant contributions to the science. 

“The ACS Fellows Program, however, uniquely recognizes a different standard of achievement and service. Specifically, the Fellow of the American Chemical Society designation is awarded to a member who, in some capacity, has made exceptional contributions to the science or profession and has provided excellent volunteer service to the ACS community.”