Opening Remarks
Jonathan Sweedler — James R. Eiszner Family Endowed Chair in Chemistry,
and Acting Head, Department of Chemistry
Introduction of Speaker
Lisa Olshansky — LEAP Scholar, and Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Speaker
Dr. H.N. Cheng (PhD, '74) — Southern Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Presentation of Awards
Announced by
Professor Martin Gruebele — James R. Eiszner Chair in Chemistry
Description of Awards
Presentation of Graduates
Announced by
Professor Martin Gruebele — James R. Eiszner Chair in Chemistry
Diplomas presented by
Professor Jonathan Sweedler & Professor Scott Silverman
Class of 2024 — List of Graduates
Marshals
Dr. Jordan Axelson & Dr. Elise McCarren
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All graduates and their guests are invited to join us for a reception with live music and light refreshments immediately following the ceremony in Room 314 of the Illini Union.
2024 Convocation Speaker: Dr. H.N. Cheng
Dr. H.N. Cheng (BS, UCLA; PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) retired in May 2022 from Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in New Orleans. Currently, he serves as a collaborator at SRRC, where he continues his research activities in several projects.
He has authored or co-authored over 315 scientific papers, 26 patent publications, 26 professional articles, edited or co-edited 25 books, and organized or co-organized over 45 symposia since 2000. In his research, he has made significant advances in developing green chemistry methodologies pertaining to agro-based materials and using agricultural materials and byproducts to produce eco-friendly and sustainable products. He has also contributed to new developments in polymer NMR, polymer reactions, and biocatalysis.
He is active in the American Chemical Society (ACS), having served in many leadership roles. He has completed a three-year term in the ACS presidential succession (2020-2022), including ACS President in 2021. His Presidential theme was “Growth, Collaboration, and Advocacy”, whereby he advocated for innovation, disciplinary growth, sustainability, digitization, industrial engagement and entrepreneurship. He also helped organize events, symposia, and webinars to benefit ACS members and the chemistry enterprise. Recognition of his scientific contributions includes ACS Fellow (2009), POLY Fellow (2010), AGFD Fellow (2018), Herty Medal (2022), Spencer Award (2022), and SRRC Outstanding Scientist of the Year (2014, 2019). Recognition of his professional contributions includes ACS Volunteer Service Award (2016), Outstanding Contributor to Cultural Diversity at SRRC (2011, 2017), Special Service Awards given by ACS Polymer Chemistry Division (2005, 2015, 2020), and Tillmans-Skolnick Award given by ACS Delaware Section (2006).