Two ISU chemistry faculty members have been named to the 2010 class of American Chemical Society Fellows.

John Verkade, professor of chemistry, and Walter Trahanovsky, professor of chemistry, are among 192 scientists and engineers honored this year for their accomplishments and work with the ACS.

“Whether it’s making new materials, finding cures for disease or developing energy alternatives, these fellows are scientific leaders, improving our lives through the transforming power of chemistry,” said ACS President Joseph S. Francisco while announcing the 2010 class of ACS Fellows. “They are also consummate volunteers who contribute tirelessly to the community and the profession.”

ACS is the world’s largest scientific society and represents academia, industry and government. Unlike the national awards the ACS gives, Fellowships are given to scientists who have made contributions to chemistry and to ACS.

Verkade has been noticed within the ACS Fellows in the past for various reasons. In 1984, he was awarded the ACS Council Award for outstanding service. From 1987 to 1994, he was an elected member of the society’s board of directors.

Verkades research is within the catalysis and mechanism chemistry. According to his webpage, he is currently working with two industrial partners to commercialize improved catalytic processes discovered for the production of value-added products from soybean oil.

Trahanovsky has served as secretary-treasurer of the Organic Division of the ACS. Currently, he is a member of the society’s Committee on Professional Training.

Trahanovsky research is within pyrolysis of organic compounds. Part of his work is directed toward understanding the fundamental thermal reactions of coal, coal-derived liquids and biomass, according to his website.

Both scientists were honored Aug. 23 during the ACS national meeting in Boston.