Two professors' research, innovation and patents earned them induction into the National Academy of Inventors this March.
The NAI looks for nominees who "demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society," according to the organization's eligibility criteria on the NAI website.
Bruce Tatarchuk, Charles E. Gavin III professor in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and S.D. Worley, professor emeritus in the College of Science and Mathematics were officially announced as fellows on the NAI website Dec. 16, joining the 170 total individuals named fellows of the NAI.
Tatarchuk's work centered on the manner in which chemicals interact on solid surfaces and the discovery of new matter structures.
Tatarchuk said he believes research should benefit mankind and create a better lifestyle for those supporting research.
"You can do things here that can have a real, tangible impact on people," Tatarchuk said. "And since you're only going to live once, you might as well give back as much as you take out."
Worley said his research focused on developing a new polymer that takes the form of a small bead.
Starting with polystyrene, the material that makes up Styrofoam cups, Worley modified the surface of polystyrene via chemical reactions so it could hold chlorine or bromide, which would then collide with bacteria or viruses in water to disinfect it.
"[The NAI] felt this [research] was a benefit to the world -- to mankind -- specifically in third world countries," Worley said. "This is pretty cheap, relatively speaking, compared to boiling water. It requires no electricity."
John Weete, assistant vice president for the Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization, serves on the board of directors of the NAI and nominated Tatarchuk and Worley.
"I saw the high caliber of people who were being inducted in the organization, and I believe Drs. Worley and Tatarchuk fall into that high caliber of faculty that are worthy of recognition," Weete said. "We want to make sure Auburn is represented."
Worley said being named a fellow is an award he's happy to have received.
"It shows that what we did over the years was worth something," Worley said.
Tatarchuk said despite awards, he's focused on the endgame.
"[The recognition] is nice, and I'm very appreciative, but does it change anything?" Tatarchuck said. "No. Whether you get recognition for your work or not, it's nice but it doesn't change the outcomes ... of the effort you expend. Or at least it shouldn't."
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