Dr. Israel E. Wachs stands as a preeminent figure in the field of chemical engineering and catalysis science with over three decades of distinguished academic leadership. He currently holds the prestigious G. Whitney Snyder Professorship in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Lehigh University's P.C. Rossin College of Engineering where he has established a world-class research laboratory in catalysis. Following his industrial experience at Exxon Research & Engineering Company, Wachs joined Lehigh University in January 1987, bringing with him a unique perspective that bridges fundamental research and industrial application. His academic journey has been marked by consistent innovation and leadership that has elevated Lehigh's standing in chemical engineering research globally.
Wachs has made seminal contributions to both the fundamental understanding and practical applications of heterogeneous catalysis, particularly in the domain of mixed metal oxides. His pioneering research on establishing fundamental relationships between surface structure and kinetic activity for metal oxide catalysts has revolutionized approaches to catalyst design and optimization. This work has directly led to the development of more efficient catalytic processes that significantly reduce toxic emissions of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur-containing hydrocarbons. With over 300 highly cited technical articles accumulating more than 45000 citations and an impressive H-index of 125, his research has had profound impact across both academic and industrial sectors, evidenced by his portfolio of more than three dozen U.S. patents.
Beyond his research excellence, Professor Wachs has profoundly influenced the field through extensive mentorship, having guided approximately 35 PhD students, 15 MS students and 15 postdoctoral researchers who now contribute to catalysis research worldwide. He has cultivated a culture of innovation at Lehigh through his successful undergraduate senior capstone course, Opportunities for Student Innovations, which develops solutions to real-world industrial engineering problems. Recognized with numerous prestigious honors including election as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the ACS Olah Award in Petroleum or Hydrocarbon Chemistry and the AIChE Wilhelm Award in Chemical Reaction Engineering, Wachs continues to advance catalysis science with practical applications for environmental sustainability. His ongoing research maintains its focus on translating fundamental catalytic principles into engineered solutions that address pressing global challenges in energy and environmental protection.
