Dr. Robin Rogers

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Board of Trustees has conferred the highest honor it gives to a faculty member to Dr. Robin Rogers, professor of chemistry in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences. Rogers has been named a University of Alabama Distinguished Research Professor by the board.

“Designation as a Distinguished Research Professor signifies national and international recognition in the holder’s field and scholarly or research productivity of the highest order at The University of Alabama,” said Dr. Judy Bonner, UA provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Rogers is one of the University’s top researchers as well as a top teacher and mentor of undergraduate and graduate students. His work has brought distinction to the University and has greatly strengthened our teaching, research and service mission. President Witt and I enthusiastically support Professor Rogers’ appointment as Distinguished Research Professor,” said Bonner.

The appointment is permanent, University-wide and can only be made by the Board of Trustees. Rogers is nationally known for his research and expertise in the areas of environmentally-sustainable chemical technologies, structural chemistry, green separation science and technology, ionic liquid systems, environmental applications, and pollution remediation. He has published more than 520 papers on these topics and is one of the most frequently cited researchers in the world. Rogers holds three patents, has edited seven books, and has given more than 500 presentations at regional, national and international conferences.

Rogers’ research focuses on environmentally friendly ways to reduce or remove volatile solvents from production processes in the chemical industry. He is a pioneer in the area, known as ionic liquid systems and played an influential role in the expansion of research and industrial interest in this field.

Rogers has been the primary project director, co-director or primary mentor for research grants totaling more than $5 million dollars awarded by the nation’s top research agencies. He currently holds research grants from the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, and the Air Force. He obtained both his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees from The University of Alabama.

Dr. Rogers is one of only nine faculty members at UA to hold Distinguished Professor status. There are approximately 922 faculty members employed at UA.

The College of Arts and Sciences is the University’s largest division and the largest public liberal arts college in the state, with approximately 5,500 undergraduates and 1,000 graduate students. The College’s students have been selected for many of the nation’s top academic honors, including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships, Truman Scholarships, and members on USA Today’s Academic All-American teams.