Alumni  |  Profiles

2008 Chemistry Alumni Awardees Celebration


On September 26, 2008, the Department of Chemistry proudly honored these four leaders as 2008 Distinguished Alumni. We extend our congratulations and appreciation to each for the contributions they have made to our science, our communities, and the nation.

 

Susan Wilson Graham (PhD, 1981) joined St. Louis, MO based ELANTAS PDG, Inc. (EPDG) in December 2003 as President and CEO. EPDG is a wholly owned subsidiary of ALTANA AG in Wesel, Germany.  Under Sue’s leadership, EPDG has developed into a respected leader within the ALTANA organization, known for upholding their leadership position as a premier supplier of electrical insulation resins.   
Abul Hussam (PhD, 1982) is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at George Mason University. World renowned for his development of a filter to remove arsenic from water. Abul has collaborated with his brothers, Dr. Abul K. M. Munir and Prof. Abul Barkat, to establish an initiative for environmental research in Bangladesh, and through which he educates the public about environmental problems.  
Dr. Michael Grever (BS, 1967), is Chairman and Professor of Medicine with an additional appointment as Professor of Pharmacology at Ohio State University. A Pittsburgh native, Dr. Grever has played a role in the development of over 17 new agents for the treatment of patients with either Aids or cancer.  In addition to his continuing role as a researcher, Dr. Grever serves on various federal advisory committee involving the discovery and development of new drugs to treat fatal diseases.  
Sung-Hou Kim (PhD, 1966) is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley and serves as the Director of the Berkeley Structural Genomics Center, and Head of the Structural Biology Department at LBNL. He is also a founder of Plexxikon, a drug discovery company. Beginning  with his landmark report of the crystal structure of t-RNA, Prof. Kim has continued to make important contributions in structural biology throughout his career.