Written by Emma Morgan
C. Allan Guymon, professor of chemical and biochemical engineering, has been elected as a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).
AIChE is the leading organization of chemical engineering professionals around the world. Fellow is the highest degree of membership, attained by election from the organization’s board of directors. Elections recognize one’s significant accomplishments and contributions to the field.
“It is truly an honor to be named an AIChE Fellow,” Guymon said. “To be recognized by other chemical engineers at the top of our field is truly humbling. At the same time, I believe it is a reflection of our amazing graduate and undergraduate students as well as my colleagues and collaborators here at the University of Iowa.”
Guymon is the Sharon K. Tinker Process Safety Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Iowa. He serves as director of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center at the University of Iowa’s Photopolymerization Center and as the chair of the Division of Polymer Chemistry for the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Guymon’s research focuses on polymer reaction engineering, specifically photopolymerization, or using light to initiate formation of materials that range from dental fillings to 3D-printed systems. He is currently working on projects that control micro and nanostructure properties in photopolymers, including the development of a polymer coating for cochlear implants that lessens device impact trauma and prolongs the benefits of improved hearing.
H. S. Udaykumar, Roy J. Carver Professor of Mechanical Engineering and associate dean for graduate programs, research and faculty, said Guymon is an excellent researcher, teacher, and mentor and has made immense contributions as a leader in those roles to the college of engineering, university, and broad scientific community.
“Prof. Guymon’s election as a fellow of AIChE is a timely recognition of his status as a renowned researcher in the field of chemical engineering, specifically in the science and engineering of polymers, advanced biomaterials and coatings,” Udaykumar said.
In addition to numerous career and research awards, Guymon has over 115 publications and five patents. He has organized symposia for several conferences including national meetings of AIChE and ACS, and taught thousands of high school students about polymer science and opportunities in chemical engineering.
“As a Fellow, I can be directly involved in the future of our field including addressing many of the grand challenges of our day,” Guymon said. “Chemical engineers are in a perfect position to work to be the solution for many societal issues, especially those relating to energy, materials, and the environment. This new honor allows me to represent much of the exciting ongoing work in the Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department that is addressing such solutions.”