UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Hilal Ezgi Toraman, assistant professor of energy engineering and chemical engineering at Penn State, was selected as a “Pioneer of Catalysis and Reaction Engineering (CRE)” by the CRE division of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).

The recognition is part of CRE’s focus on identifying the extant challenges that limit the representation of women and minorities in chemical engineering. 

Toraman, a Wilson Faculty Fellow in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, said she found the honor an incredible source of motivation not just for her, but also for the potential impact it can have within the chemical engineering and chemical sciences community.

“I was genuinely thrilled and deeply honored upon learning about the recognition,” said Toraman. “It's crucial we spotlight the accomplishments of women and minorities in chemical engineering and chemical sciences by not only highlighting the challenges they encounter but also the success stories. When we exhibit diverse role models and their accomplishments, we not only affirm their contributions but also instill confidence and strength in the upcoming generation.”

In recognition of the honor, Toraman was invited to give the talk, “Fundamental Insights into Chemical Recycling of Polymer Mixtures,” in an honorary session at the AIChE annual meeting held last November. Her talk emphasized that the rapid development of novel processes based on the efficient utilization of non-traditional feedstocks is crucial for a sustainable and circular economy. In particular, she focused her presentation on the need to understand the numerous reactions that occur throughout each process, so they can be tailored in a way that maximizes economic feasibility while minimizing any adverse environmental impact.

Toraman’s research is in chemical reaction engineering and catalysis, focusing on developing new processes, materials and technologies for efficient and sustainable use of non-traditional feedstocks such as shale gas, biomass and plastic waste.

The honor is the second in 2023 for Toraman, who was also one of 12 early-career scientists named to Chemical & Engineering News’ (C&EN) 2023 “Talented 12” list, which highlights early career, chemical science researchers who fearlessly tackle complex global problems. The “Talented 12” were selected out of nearly 400 chemists nominated worldwide.

Toraman acknowledged the Penn State community as a driving force for her recent achievements.

“Penn State has been great,” said Toraman. “It’s created opportunities for me to excel, and it’s always working towards removing the obstacles facing women and minorities in science, ultimately building a stronger, more inclusive community.”

Toraman serves as president of the Pittsburgh-Cleveland Catalysis Society and as a director for CRE. She has received recognition and awards from prominent organizations in the field of chemistry and chemical engineering including being acknowledged as a "rising star" by the American Chemical Society's Division of Energy & Fuels. She previously held the Virginia S. and Philip L. Walker Jr.  Faculty Fellowship.

Toraman received her bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical engineering from the Middle East Technical University in Turkey. She received her doctoral degree in chemical engineering from Ghent University in Belgium. Prior to joining the Penn State faculty, Toraman served as a postdoctoral researcher with the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Delaware Energy Institute at the University of Delaware.