Distinguished Professor Elected to National Academy of Engineering

Bruce C. Gates, Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering.

Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded an engineer. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, education and literature, and recognizes the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Professor Bruce Gates,” said College of Engineering Dean Enrique J. Lavernia. “He has made outstanding contributions to knowledge and practice in catalysis and hydroprocessing and is recognized nationally and internationally for his innovative research.“

Bob Powell, Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, explains that Gates' election to NAE is “a resounding acknowledgement” of the impact his work has had on fundamental research in catalysis. Powell noted the Academy's recognition of Gates' "exemplary leadership" in university collaborations with industry. “This especially relates to his work on hydroprocessing which is at the absolute core of the energy industry,” Powell said. “All of this outstanding scholarship is against the backdrop of his being a tireless and innovative educator. Just in the past three years, Professor Gates has initiated a new freshman course for chemical and biochemical engineers that is probably unique in the country. His dedication to his graduate students is legendary. And, little known is his outstanding service to the campus through administrative and Academic Senate Committees.”

“Professor Gates is a valuable, dynamic member of the UC Davis community of scholars,” added Lavernia.

Professor Gates joins thirteen other distinguished members of the College of Engineering who have been named to the National Academies of Engineering, Science and Medicine. They are: Roy Bainer, Robert W. Bower, William J. Chancellor, Robert B. Fridley, Izzat M. Idriss, Gerald T. Orlob, Joe M. Smith, George Tchobanoglous, Ray Krone, Richard M. Christensen, Alexandra Navrotsky, Michael Savageau, and Miguel Marino, who was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in Mexico.

Expert on Catalysts Elected to the National Academy of Engineering