Rose Mercadante Chemistry Seminar Series  

The Rose Mercadante Seminar Series is pleased to present Professor Robert Augustine, Executive Director of Seton Hall's Center for Applied Catalysis, who will present seminar entitled Wither Goest Thou, Catalysis.The seminar will be held on September 6 at 5:30 p.m. in McNulty Hall Room 101.

Since coming to Seton Hall University Dr. Augustine has supervised research which has led to the writing of thirty seven doctoral dissertations and ten masters theses and the publication of over one hundred thirty research articles, ten books, eighteen patents and several chapters in the areas of organic synthesis, mechanism and utilization of catalytic hydrogenation, and catalyst comparisons, surface characterization of metal catalysts, the use of dispersed metals in reactions other than hydrogenation and the anchoring of homogeneous catalysts onto solid supports.

His present position is Executive Director of the Center for Applied Catalysis at Seton Hall University. This Center was established in 1997 and is engaged in collaborative industrial research on various aspects of catalysis, particularly in the use of catalysts in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, fine and commodity chemicals.

His interest in the utility of catalysis is also manifested in his professional interests. He was a founding member of the New York Academy of Sciences Section of Catalysis (1968) and the Organic Reactions Catalysis Society (ORCS) (1973), two groups devoted primarily to the discussion of the practical, utilitarian aspects of catalysis. He has served as Chairman of the Organic Reactions Catalysis Society (ORCS) and as a member of the Board of Directors of ORCS, the North American Catalysis Society and the Metropolitan Catalysis Society. He has also been a member of the Advisory Board of the New York Academy of Sciences Section of Catalysis. In 1977, he received Seton Hall's highest honor for university service, the Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid Medal for Distinguished Service.