American chemist and chemical engineer
Donald Laverne Katz (August 1, 1907 near Jackson, Michigan – May 29, 1989 Ann Arbor, Michigan) was an American chemist and chemical engineer.[1][2]
The 1983 National Medal of Science was presented to Katz by President Ronald Reagan "for solving many practical engineering problems by delving into a wide group of sciences and making their synergistic effects evident."
[3]
[4] Katz was also noted for developing a hazard rating system for dangerous bulk cargoes.[5] The New York Times called Katz an "oil expert".[1] The National Academy of Engineering called him a "world leader" in reservoir engineering.[2]
Katz was chairman of the Chemical Engineering Department and A. H. White University Professor at the University of Michigan.[1][6][7] He was also a member of the National Academy of Engineering.[7]
He was a father to Marvin L. Katz and Linda Katz.
Notable awards and honors
Katz received the following distinctions and honors:[6]
- 1950 Hanlon Award, Gas Processors Association
- 1959 President, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
- 1959 Michigan Engineer of the Year, Society of Petroleum Engineers
- 1962 Distinguished Lecturer, Society of Petroleum Engineers
- 1963 Visiting Professor, National School of Chemistry, Rio de Janeiro
- 1964 John Franklin Carll Award, Society of Petroleum Engineers
- 1964 Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award, University of Michigan
- 1964 Founders Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
- 1967 Warren K. Lewis Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
- 1968 Member, National Academy of Engineering
- 1968 William H. Walker Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
- 1969 Honorary Member, Phi Lambda Upsilon
- 1970 Mineral Industries Award, American Institute of Mining Engineers
- 1972 Distinguished Public Service Award, U.S. Coast Guard
- 1975 E. V. Murphree Award, American Chemical Society
- 1977 Gas Industry Research Award, American Gas Association
- 1978 Lucas Gold Medal, American Institute of Mining Engineers
- 1979 Award of Merit, Michigan Historical Society
- 1983 Selected as an Eminent Chemical Engineer, 75th Anniversary of American Institute of Chemical Engineers
- 1983 National Medal of Science
- 1984 Designated Distinguished Member, Society of Petroleum Engineers
- 1986 Honorary Member, American Institute of Mining Engineers
