Dr. Ken Balkus, professor of chemistry at UT Dallas, was recently named an American Chemical Society Fellow and will be honored at the society’s fall national meeting.

The Fellows Program recognizes achievements of its members for contributions to science, the profession and to the ACS. Members of the ACS nominate individuals for the honor.

“It’s gratifying to be recognized in this way from a scientific society and your peers,” Balkus said. “I’ve stayed active with the ACS for several years now and I’m very pleased to receive this honor.”

Balkus is now one of two UT Dallas faculty members who have achieved this designation. Dr. Dennis Smith, professor and holder of the Robert A. Welch Distinguished Chair in Chemistry, is also an ACS fellow.

ACS is the world’s largest scientific society. The organization’s fellows program began in 2009 as a way to recognize ACS members for excellence in myriad fields including academia, industry and the public sector.

Balkus is one of 213 members named as fellows this year.

His research involves the synthesis and application of nanoporous materials. For more than a decade, Balkus was also involved in Project Seed, a summer research program sponsored by the ACS, where economically disadvantaged high school juniors and seniors get a chance to work alongside scientist-mentors on research projects.

Balkus has worked at UT Dallas since 1988. He earned his PhD from the University of Florida. In addition to teaching responsibilities, Balkus is active in the University’s NanoExplorers program where he mentors high school students on summer research projects.

“This is a well-deserved recognition of Ken’s contributions and achievements in the field,” said Dr. John Ferraris, chairman of the chemistry department at UT Dallas. “We are all extremely proud of this honor.”