Congratulations to ChemE professors Edgar Acosta and Levente Diosady, who were recently honoured by the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) for their achievements in the field. Professor Acosta is the 2010 recipient of the Young Scientist Research Award, recognizing a young scientist who has made a significant and substantial research contribution in one of the areas represented by AOCS. Professors Diosady was elected an AOCS Fellow, an honour reserved for AOCS members whose achievements in science entitle them to exceptionally important recognition. Founded in 1909, AOCS is a global scientific society with 4,500 members, open to all individuals and corporations who are interested in fats, oils, surfactants, detergents and related materials.
Edgar Acosta is an international leader in the colloid and surface chemistry field, and is emerging as the premier microemulsion expert, both in terms of innovative advances in microemulsion-based systems and the use of these systems across a wide range of applications. He has developed insights into several aspects of surfactant behaviour, which have contributed to improved understanding of surfactant-based aquifer remediation processes, detergency, drug delivery and methods using surfactants for alleviation of certain lung diseases. Professor Acosta has authored over 40 refereed articles and three book chapters. In 2009, he received an Early Researcher Award from the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation.
One of Canada’s leading food engineers, Professor Diosady’s research has led to improvements in vegetable oil processing, edible-oil refining, micronutrient fortification and meat curing. Over the past 15 years, Professor Diosady has worked to develop techniques for fortifying staple foods such as salt, sugar, and rice with micronutrients to combat vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which adversely affect some two billion people worldwide. His research has led to cost-effective and easy-to-maintain solutions to micronutrient deficiencies such as anemia in developing nations. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and a member of the Order of Ontario.
“I am delighted that the AOCS has recognized the contributions of Professor Diosady, one of our most lauded researchers, and Professor Acosta, one of the Faculty’s emerging leaders,” said Cristina Amon, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. “They are most deserving of these accolades, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to them.”
Professors Levente and Acosta were honoured during the AOCS Annual Meeting, May 16-19, in Phoenix, AZ. Professor Acosta gave the award address, “Formulation Engineering: Opportunities and Challenges” on May 17.
