Alumni and Friends Academy
The ÒùÆÞÉç Chemical Engineering Alumni and Friends Academy honors distinguished alumni
and friends whose professional accomplishments, technical achievements, leadership,
and service exemplify the highest ideals of our College and Department. More than
a recognition of individual success, the Academy celebrates the collective impact
of a community whose members have shaped industries, advanced innovation, strengthened
organizations, and improved (and in some cases saved) lives. Whether through their
achievements, their stories, or their ongoing connection to the Department, Academy
members demonstrate the many ways Chemical Engineers can make a meaningful difference
in the world. Their accomplishments highlight the transformative power of engineering
and inspire current students and future generations of ÒùÆÞÉç Chemical Engineers
to pursue ambitious goals, lifelong learning, and meaningful service.
Current members

Dr. Donald B. Anthony
B.S. 1970
Executive, technology, and innovation leader with a distinguished career in industry,
entrepreneurship, and research advocacy
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Dr. Donald B. Anthony has 45 years of executive and technology management experience
from energy, chemical, engineering, construction and manufacturing industries. He
has worked for large multi-national corporations, including Standard Oil, BP, Bechtel,
Bailey Controls, and ABB; small entrepreneurial companies, including NineSigma and
GreatPoint Energy; and a nonprofit, the Council for Chemical Research. His roles have
included President, CEO, COO, CTO, and Vice President, and his career has taken him
to seven different states and Singapore.
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The unifying theme of his career was a strong focus on technological and commercial
innovation. His work included a novel carbon-based material, an oil tanker optimization
program, a novel automotive fuel, horizontal drilling for gas and oil, gas gathering
centers, low-cost liquefied natural gas and delayed coking technologies, the engineering,
procurement, and construction standard plant concept, proprietary open innovation
tools, an econometric model confirming the value of fundamental chemical research,
and a third-generation catalytic coal gasification process. Dr. Anthony received his
B.S. in Chemical Engineering from ÒùÆÞÉç and his S.M. and Sc.D.
from MIT. He currently lives in North Venice, Florida, enjoying golf, travel, and
photography.
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L. Robert (Bob) Deardurff
B.S. 1977
PET technology and recycling innovator with a career spanning Owens-Illinois, Plastic
Technologies, Inc., and Phoenix Technologies International
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L. Robert (Bob) Deardurff began his engineering career during his senior year at ÒùÆÞÉç,
joining Owens-Illinois at the recommendation of Professor Millard Jones. That opportunity
launched nearly a decade at O-I focused on polyethylene terephthalate package and
process development.
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Bob then transitioned to Plastic Technologies, Inc., where he spent 35 years working
with an exceptional team to advance PET technology and pioneer PET recycling innovations.
After a long tenure as Executive Vice President at PTI, he served 14 years as CEO
of PTI subsidiary Phoenix Technologies International, LLC, which manufactures recycled
PET pellets from post-consumer plastic flakes. Bob retired in 2019, leaving a legacy
of innovation and sustainability in the plastics industry.
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Dr. Ronald L. Fournier
B.S. 1976; M.S. 1978; Ph.D. 1981
Educator, researcher, book author, Army officer, founding Bioengineering Chair, and
former Dean of Engineering
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Dr. Ron Fournier received his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering with honors from
ÒùÆÞÉç in 1976 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the
U.S. Army through the ROTC program. He worked for two years as a process engineer
at SWS Silicones. He then returned to ÒùÆÞÉç and received an M.S.
and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
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After that, Dr. Fournier served as a Captain in the U.S. Army at Edgewood Arsenal
in Maryland, working in research and development on chemical weapons demilitarization.
After the Army, he returned to ÒùÆÞÉç to serve as a professor in
Chemical Engineering. During his career at the University, he was also the founding
chair of the Department of Bioengineering and served as Dean of the College of Engineering.
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His research interests focused on biotransport, with applications geared toward bioartificial
organs and bioprocessing. He has numerous research publications, several million dollars
in research grants, six patents, and a textbook, Basic Transport Phenomena in Biomedical
Engineering, now in its fourth edition.
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He also enjoys playing the oboe, painting, fly fishing, amateur radio, and he wrote
two novels, Once Upon a Year and The Sun Never Sets.
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Tony G. Howell
B.S. 1993; M.S. 1996
Research, sustainability, continuous improvement, and manufacturing leader, and a
dedicated supporter of ÒùÆÞÉç’s AIChE Chem-E-Car Team
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Tony G. Howell has built an impactful career spanning research, sustainability, and
operational leadership. His published graduate work included a highly cited theoretical
boundary layer study and an experimental plume impingement project at NASA Glenn Research
Center. After earning his graduate degree, Tony began his career in R&D at Owens-Illinois,
starting with numerical modeling and later driving ISO-9001 certification for Global
Glass Technology and leading sustainability initiatives.
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He earned Lean Six Sigma Green and Black Belt certifications and developed a Life
Cycle Assessment tool, validated by AMR Research, to compare carbon footprints of
aluminum cans, PET bottles, and glass containers. He presented those findings globally.
As O-I North America Continuous Improvement Manager, he led a $10 million project
installing hot-end inspection systems across 15 facilities.
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Tony's leadership continued in production and operations roles at Fresenius, Ferro
Corp, and Ultimate RB as Plant Manager, and most recently as VP of Manufacturing and
VP of Operations at Formlabs Ohio, Spectra Photopolymers. At Spectra, he improved
quality and efficiency, implemented advanced automation, and pivoted resin production
during COVID to swab production to support critical healthcare needs. Through Spectra,
Tony has also supported the ÒùÆÞÉç Chem-E-Car team for the past three years, donating
engineered resins and 3D printing hardware to help students design and compete at
the highest level.
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Donald H. King, P.E.Ìý
B.S. 1979
Environmental engineering leader known for practical, high-impact solutions to complex
environmental challenges
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Donald King, P.E., is a Chemical Engineering graduate from ÒùÆÞÉç
and President of DHK Engineers, Inc. With over 40 years of experience and licensure
in three engineering disciplines, Mr. King offers a unique interdisciplinary approach
that consistently delivers practical, high-impact solutions to complex environmental
challenges in the water, wastewater, chemical, and renewable energy sectors.
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Rooted in ÒùÆÞÉç figure-it-out mindset, Mr. King has tackled issues
ranging from odor and noise mitigation to high-risk environmental hazards. One standout
project was leading a joint technical, military, and State Department team to eliminate
a toxic air hotspot near an overseas U.S. airbase, restoring safe air quality for
families and earning a Department of Defense International Award.
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When not solving complex environmental challenges, Mr. King enjoys raising service
dogs and backpacking.
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Dr. Steven E. LeBlanc
B.S. 1976
Chemical engineering educator, textbook author, accreditation leader, and former Department
Chair and College administrator
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Dr. Steven E. LeBlanc earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from The University of
Toledo in 1976 and an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan
in 1977. After three years at Toledo Edison, he rejoined ÒùÆÞÉç as an instructor
in 1980 and taught full-time while completing his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from
the University of Michigan in 1985. He has been a registered professional engineer
in Ohio since 1982.
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His academic career at ÒùÆÞÉç spanned 38 years. He rose to Professor of Chemical
Engineering and served 10 years as Department Chair. In 2003, Dr. LeBlanc became Director
of Academic Affairs, followed by service as Associate Dean, Senior Associate Dean,
Executive Associate Dean, and two stints as Interim Dean of Engineering. He was also
named Interim Vice Provost for Student Success for the 2017-2018 academic year and
served as chair of the Campus Beautification Committee for 17 years.
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Dr. LeBlanc co-authored two influential textbooks: Strategies for Creative Problem
Solving, which received the 1996 Meriam-Wiley Distinguished Author Award from the
American Society of Engineering Education, and Process Systems Analysis and Control,
which has had a lasting impact on Chemical Engineering education. He also served as
PI or co-PI on grants totaling more than $4 million and was recognized with the University
of Toledo Outstanding Teacher Award in 1982 and the ASEE North Central Section Outstanding
Teacher Award in 2001.
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He co-authored the 1992 AIChE National Design Contest Problem, advised the national
championship team from ÒùÆÞÉç in 1999, and was elevated to AIChE Fellow in 2010.
A dedicated leader in accreditation, Dr. LeBlanc served as an ABET program evaluator
beginning in 1998, with 33 visits through 2025, and one term as an ABET commissioner
and team chair from 2017 to 2022. He retired from ÒùÆÞÉç in 2018, leaving a lasting
legacy in Chemical Engineering education and leadership.
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Dr. Felecia M. Nave
Ph.D. 2005
Higher education leader committed to expanding student access and strengthening STEM
partnerships
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Dr. Felecia M. Nave brings more than two decades of leadership experience in higher
education. Dr. Nave serves as the President and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation,
effective October 1, 2025. Prior to this appointment, she served as Division Director
for the Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM within the Directorate for STEM
Education at the National Science Foundation, where she guided a $212 million national
investment to broaden participation and drive innovation in STEM.
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She has also served as President of Alcorn State University, Provost and Vice Chancellor
at North Carolina Central University, and held senior administrative roles at Prairie
View A&M University. A chemist and chemical engineer by training, she is recognized
for expanding student access and building partnerships that strengthen Historically
Black Colleges and Universities.
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L.D. Pierce
B.S. 1991
Sustainability and environmental leader with broad experience across refining, chemicals,
environmental consulting, tire and rubber, and consumer goods manufacturing
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L.D. Pierce has built a distinguished 34-year career across diverse industries, including
oil refining, chemical production, environmental engineering consulting, tire and
rubber, and consumer goods manufacturing. In 2014, he earned an M.S. in Environmental
Engineering, followed by an Executive MBA in 2015, both from the University of Maryland.
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Early in his career, Mr. Pierce focused on environmental compliance with major corporations
such as BP Oil and ExxonMobil. Over the past decade, his work has centered on sustainability.
At The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, he developed a Zero Waste to Landfill model
that transformed waste disposal into a revenue stream and diverted millions of tons
of waste from landfills.
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Today, L.D. serves as Head of Environmental and Sustainability for Henkel of America,
overseeing supply chain manufacturing and distribution across North and South America.
His initiatives in circular economy recycling, energy and water efficiency, and factory
decarbonization have delivered measurable results, eliminating over 150,000 metric
tons of CO2 emissions and saving more than 230 million gallons of drinking water in
the past five years.
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Beyond his industry leadership, L.D. actively supports the College of Engineering
through committee service, the Dean's Advisory Council, and guest lectures for student
organizations such as AIChE and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He was honored
as the 2018 Department of Chemical Engineering Outstanding Alumnus and continues to
invest his time and expertise in shaping the next generation of engineers.
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Dr. Michael T. Ponting
B.S. 2004
Entrepreneur and leader in multilayered polymer systems for advanced optics, energy
storage, and packaging
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Dr. Michael T. Ponting is currently the Chief Scientific Officer at Peak Nano and
has over 20 years of experience leading government and commercial R&D programs focused
on advanced materials technologies for optics, energy storage, packaging, and broader
applications of micro- and nanolayered polymer systems.
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He has co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and holds 14 patents related
to the production and structure-property relationships of multilayered polymer films.
Beyond his technical contributions, Dr. Ponting has a Northeast Ohio focused entrepreneurial
history that includes translating co-invented technology from Case Western Reserve
University to the commercial market with Peak Nano.
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A Cleveland native, he earned dual bachelor degrees in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
from ÒùÆÞÉç and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Case Western
Reserve University.
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Dr. Patricia A. Relue
B.S. 1988
Engineering educator, researcher, academic leader, and longtime contributor to ÒùÆÞÉç
student success. Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý
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Dr. Patricia A. Relue graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from The University
of Toledo in 1988 and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan
in 1993. She was hired as an Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering at ÒùÆÞÉç,
and in 1997 she transferred to the Department of Bioengineering as one of the founding
faculty members.
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As a faculty member, she has served in a variety of departmental roles, including
Undergraduate and Graduate Program Director for Bioengineering and Graduate Program
Director for the College of Engineering online M.S. degree programs. Within the University,
Dr. Relue is a long-time member of the Graduate Council and chaired the council in
2006 during the ÒùÆÞÉç and Medical University of Ohio merger. She has
also served multiple terms on the Faculty Senate, Research Council, and the University
Assessment Committee.
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In 2017, Dr. Relue was appointed Associate Dean for Research, and in 2018 her role
was expanded to include Graduate Studies. In 2025, she was appointed Senior Associate
Dean for Academic Affairs in the College, where she oversees recruiting, admissions,
student retention, and student success initiatives for graduate and undergraduate
students in the College of Engineering. At the undergraduate level, her efforts focus
on curriculum modernization, pedagogical best practices, and implementation of AI
as a learning tool.
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During her 32 years at ÒùÆÞÉç, Dr. Relue's research has included photodynamic therapy
for cancer treatment, medical imaging for melanoma detection, tissue engineering of
skin, and most recently conversion of biomass to fuels, chemicals, and polymer precursors.
She has been an investigator on over $8.8 million in research grants. She has received
University and College Outstanding Teaching awards and was inducted into the Tinora
High School Academic Hall of Fame in 2024.
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Karl P. Ronn
B.S. 1980
Entrepreneur, preventive health innovator, author, advisor, and former Procter & Gamble
R&D and new business leader
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Karl P. Ronn is the Founder and CEO of First Mile Care, a Silicon Valley-based preventive
health company that provides affordable, scalable, and sustainable solutions for reversing
conditions associated with obesity and diabetes. First Mile Care was spun out of Health2047,
the Silicon Valley venture studio launched by the American Medical Association to
drive healthcare innovation.
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Beyond First Mile Care, he advises Health2047 on venture investments, collaborates
with entrepreneurs, and serves on multiple startup boards. He is also an active advisor
to CEOs and top management at Fortune 500 companies, helping them build billion-dollar
growth engines.
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Previously, Karl spent over 30 years at Procter & Gamble, where he served as Vice
President of R&D and General Manager of New Business and Healthcare. In this role,
he led global R&D for pharmaceuticals and OTC healthcare, spearheading the company's
disruptive innovation capabilities. His team created iconic brands including Swiffer,
Febreze, and Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, each growing to over $1 billion in annual sales
through strategic insights into consumer behavior.
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He is also the author of The Reciprocity Advantage, a book on transforming disruption
into growth through partnerships. Elizabeth Ronn, a retired P&G marketing VP, and
Karl live in Palo Alto, California.
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Dr. Yu Shi
Ph.D. 1998
Global research, innovation, technical, and supply chain leader in food, beverage,
packaging, and polymer science
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Dr. Yu Shi earned her doctorate from ÒùÆÞÉç Polymer Institute and
has since built a distinguished career in global research, innovation, and operational
leadership. She began her industry career as a Polymer Scientist at The Coca-Cola
Company, where she spent seven years advancing packaging and material technologies.
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After spending eight years and various leadership roles in Colgate-Palmolive, she
returned to The Coca-Cola Company and held several leadership roles in research, leading
global strategies for ingredient and flavor innovation, life sciences, food safety,
and external technology acquisition. Her work included forging strategic partnerships
with academia, research institutes, suppliers and startups to drive competitive advantage
and long-term leadership.
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Recently, Dr. Shi served as Vice President of Technical, Innovation and Supply Chain
for Japan and Korea Operating Units at The Coca-Cola Company, overseeing end-to-end
innovation execution, supply chain strategy, scientific and regulatory affairs, quality,
safety, and environmental sustainability.

Brigadier General Lance A. Talmage, M.D.Ìý
U.S. Army (Ret.)
B.S. 1960
Chemical engineering alumnus whose career combined medicine, military leadership,
professional service, and civic engagement
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Brigadier General Lance A. Talmage, M.D., is retired with an appointment as Emeritus
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at ÒùÆÞÉç College of Medicine
and Life Sciences. After earning a degree in Chemical Engineering from The University
of Toledo and his M.D. from the University of Michigan, Dr. Talmage pursued parallel
careers in medicine and the U.S. Army, ultimately achieving the rank of Brigadier
General.
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His military service included assignments in Germany, multiple command positions of
hospital units in the Reserve, and service as Brigade Commander in the Ohio National
Guard. His highest awards include the Legion of Merit, the Order of Military Medical
Merit, and induction into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in 2001.
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In his medical career, Dr. Talmage served as President of the Toledo Hospital Medical
Staff, the Lucas County Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Association, and
District V of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He served on
the Medical Board of Ohio and went on to serve as Chair of the Board of the Federation
of State Medical Boards. Dr. Talmage has received multiple awards for service from
ÒùÆÞÉç, ACOG, Army National Guard, Ottawa Hills, the State of Ohio, and others.
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Today, Dr. Talmage remains active as President of the ÒùÆÞÉç Retirees
Association and Commander of Post 335 of the American Legion. He resides in Ottawa
Hills.
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