Recognitions

B.S. in chemical engineering, 1981  Mary Shelman is a globally recognized thought leader, author and speaker in agribusiness, AgTech and food system trends.   A first-generation college student, Shelman earned her Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1981, after completing her first two years of college at Elizabethtown Community College. In 1987, she went on to graduate from Harvard Business School with an MBA. 

Xiangming “Jack” Cheng began his career as a researcher but quickly transitioned to an entrepreneur and visionary leader who empowers his employees to push the status quo and drives his company to become a global leader in metal manufacturing and distribution. A first-generation Chinese immigrant who has never forgotten his roots, Cheng is committed to giving back to his community and inspiring the next generation of leaders and achievers.

Howard F. Moore has been involved in petroleum processing and synthetic oils research for Marathon Petroleum Company (MPC) since 1974, when he represented the University of Kentucky in a National Science Foundation-funded partnership between UK and Ashland Oil to develop a coal pyrolysis unit.

In her 35-year career at Procter & Gamble, Lisa Ernst has served as engineer, director of research and development, and vice president of research and development for oral care, hair care, personal health care and pet care. This year, she is retiring as the senior vice president of Research and Development for Oral Care and the consumer health sector leader of Research and Development.

Born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, Harlen Wheatley has spent nearly his entire life in the Bluegrass State. After relocating and spending much of his youth in Florence, Kentucky, Wheatley attended Northern Kentucky University, where he attained his degree in chemistry. He then migrated to full-time work at a chemical company in central Kentucky while completing a chemical engineering degree at the University of Kentucky.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) in India, Raj Krishnaswamy wanted to pursue graduate studies that would lead to a career in materials research. He saw that his best opportunity lay with the University of Kentucky College of Engineering.

Mary Beth Hudson is vice president of the Polysilicon Division and site manager for Wacker in Charleston, Tennessee. A proven leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, Hudson is responsible for all aspects of manufacturing, supply chain, business operations, sales and profitability of the Polysilicon Division throughout the North and Central American region. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering in 1989 from the University of Kentucky.

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, 1988

B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, 1979 When Todd Johnson graduated from Daviess County High School in 1972, he had no intention of going to college. After seven straight midnight shifts at a local aluminum plant, however, Johnson decided college was for him after all. At the University of Kentucky, Johnson became the first metallurgical engineering student to Co-op. His Co-op experience at Armco Steel resulted in Johnson receiving several job offers upon graduating in 1979.

M.S. in Chemical Engineering, 1975 When Mark Whitley began working for Shell Oil Company in 1975, he was sent to a fracturing job on the McAllen Ranch in south Texas. Since that day, Whitley has become widely known for revolutionizing the energy industry by the application of fracturing technology (popularly known as fracing or fracking) to shale formations across the United States.

M.S. in Chemical Engineering 1976Ph.D in Chemical Engineering 1979Gregory R. Carmichael is the Karl Kammermeyer Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the University of Iowa. In his 37-year career at the University of Iowa, Carmichael has become a leading authority in the areas of environmental engineering, atmospheric science and air quality through numerous research initiatives, publications and awards.

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, 1969 During Wayne Purdom’s 44-year career in the refining industry, he has become a recognized leader in applied process safety management, improving business unit performance, personnel selection and development, litigation and emergency response. In the United States and abroad, Mr. Purdom has consistently demonstrated leadership in both normal and abnormal situations, as well as entrepreneurial instincts that have increased business unit safety, efficiency and profitability.

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, 1990

B.S. Chemical Engineering 1974 M.S. Chemical Engineering 1975 Ph.D. 1977

B.S. Chemical Engineering 1972 M.S. Chemical Engineering 1974 Terry Strange’s career path has spanned three continents over the course of nearly 40 years. Born in Louisville, Mr. Strange earned a B.S. and M.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky. A strong work ethic has been a driving force since his days as a student, when he typically put in 40 hours a week to pay his way through college.

B.S. Chemical Engineering 1973 Carlos Cabrera has demonstrated excellence in engineering, management and leadership. His innovations will have a lasting effect on one of the world’s leading companies in its field. UOP, the company he has served throughout his career, has benefited from his ability as an engineer, his effectiveness in international settings, his business development skills and now his leadership and vision for the future as president and CEO.

Michael Marberry is known for new ideas, strategic initiatives and a vision of the future – and he has demonstrated those abilities on an international scale. A native of Paducah, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1981, graduating with high distinction. Throughout his career, he has taken on positions of increasing responsibility. His strategies will shape the future of J.M. Huber Corporation, where he now serves as President and CEO.

Born in Williamsburg, Kentucky but raised in both Corbin and Lexington, James L. Wyatt graduated from Lafayette High School in 1941. Immediately thereafter, he began undergraduate studies in metallurgical engineering at the University of Kentucky. Because of the United States’ involvement in World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and served with the 15th Air Force Squadron in the European Theatre of Operations as a P-38 photo-reconnaissance pilot.

Roger Davis McDaniel is a native Lexingtonian and graduate of Lafayette High School. He enrolled at the University of Kentucky where he earned the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1962. As an undergraduate, he was active in the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and Alpha Chi Sigma professional chemistry fraternity. He later completed the Master of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky in 1966.

A native Pennsylvanian, Dr. Mark E. Davis was born in Ellwood City and raised in the city of Erie. He enrolled at the University of Kentucky after receiving a track and field scholarship. He was a member of the varsity track team, lettering in track. He received the University’s award for outstanding scholar-athlete from among students in all varsity sports at the University. Dr. Davis received the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1977, 1978 and 1981 respectively.

A native of Johnson County, Kentucky, and a 1948 graduate of Paintsville High School, Cullie J. Sparks longed to find an easier lifestyle than hoeing corn, digging potatoes, and working in the family grocery store. He enrolled in the University of Kentucky and received a Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgical engineering in 1952. In 1957, he became the third person to receive a doctoral degree from the UK College of Engineering. Dr. Sparks was an active student leader in the College of Engineering and served as president of the Engineering Student Council in 1951-52.

An Ohio native, Clyde R. Tipton, Jr. spent his pre-college years in Danville, Kentucky and received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in metallurgical engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1946 and 1947, respectively. Following graduation, Mr. Tipton joined the Battelle Memorial Institute as a research engineer. He quickly became an active member of the scientific research and development community. His initial assignment was the investigation of precision casting of high temperature alloys used in nuclear physics investigations.

A native of Corbin, Kentucky, Carl J. McHargue served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his discharge in 1946, he entered the University of Kentucky, receiving a Bachelor of Science in metallurgical engineering (with honors) in 1949, and a Master of Science in metallurgical engineering in 1951. He remained at the University of Kentucky to earn the first doctorate awarded by the College of Engineering in 1953.

S. J. “Sam” Whalen, a native of Frankfort, Kentucky, served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Following his discharge in 1945, he entered the University of Kentucky , receiving his Bachelor of Science in metallurgical engineering in 1949. He was employed as a research engineer by Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio prior to entering Ohio State University, where he received his masters degree in metallurgical engineering in 1951.

Born and educated in Fayette County, Kentucky, Samuel M. Cassidy received his Bachelor of Science in metallurgical engineering in 1925. After graduation, he accepted a position with Allen and Garcia Company, consulting and construction engineers, in Chicago, Illinois, where he received valuable experience in the field of coal mining. While employed at Allen and Garcia, he completed the requirements for a masters degree in mining engineering (’28). In 1946, he became president of Consolidation Coal Company (KY) in Jenkins, Kentucky.