Oak Ridge National Laboratory's senior R&D staff member, Richard Mayes, has earned a prestigious nod from his peers, being elected a Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Renowned for his expertise in separations chemistry, Mayes' work spans across the impressive development of novel methods for extracting uranium from seawater to new techniques for promethium production from irradiated fuel. But it's not just his research that's turning heads. His dedication to nurturing future generations of scientists has earned applause as well.
Riding high on this recent accolade, Mayes' innovative research at ORNL covers the gamut of radiochemistry and materials science. With a spotlight on the advancement of water desalination, Mayes has played a pivotal role, recognized by the ACS, in transitioning fundamental scientific work to the realm of engineering scale applications, as reported by the ORNL website. Contributing to the field, his research in 2024 into the chemical properties of promethium-147, a rare earth element vital for medical and nuclear battery technologies, turned out to be award-winning.
Backed by his academic foundation—a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in chemistry from Tennessee Technological University, topped with a doctorate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville—Mayes' is a testament to the power of a solid educational base. He's not only an active ACS figure but also threw his considerable expertise into the ring as the 2024 chair for the society's East Tennessee Section. Beyond his research, Mayes extends his impact as an associate editor in sustainable process engineering for the peer-reviewed journal 'Frontiers in Chemical Engineering.'
Held in high regard by ACS, a society that annually recognizes members for exceptional scientific contributions and stellar society service, Mayes is set to be officially honored in the nation's capital. Alongside his fellow 2025 inductees, a special ceremony at the ACS Fall Conference on August 18 will seal the deal. The Department of Energy's Office of Science, the main muscle behind the basic research at ORNL, continues to push the envelope in scientific challenges facing us today.
