CATALYTIC HYDROGENATION OF FATS, OILS, ORGANIC OILS, ALKENES, ALKYNES, KETONES, NITROSO COMPOUNDS AND NITRO COMPOUNDS. Expert is an expert in all kinds of catalytic hydrogenations with hydrogen and deuterium. Most of his work has been with supported palladium and platinum catalysts. He has also worked with rhodium, iridium, Raney nickel, and metallic glasses composed of palladium or platinum alloyed with silicon or germanium. He has studied practical aspects as well as the mechanisms of hydrogenation of alkenes, alkynes, ketones, and certain terpenes. He has also studied the practical aspects of nitro, nitroso, and aromatic compounds, as well as alpha and beta unsaturated esters, aldehydes, and ketones. Some of his work has involved homogeneous catalysis. In connection with his hydrogenation work, he has used an array of analytical techniques. These include mass spectrometry, gas-liquid chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography.

STEREOCHEMISTRY; ISOMERS; ISOMERIZATION; MOLECULAR CHIRALITY; MOLECULAR STRUCTURE; SHAPE SELECTIVITY. Expert has had a long standing interest in stereochemistry. This has manifested itself in mechanistic studies of hydrogenations. He has studied the stereochemistry of hydrogenation and isomerization of numerous hydrocarbons, including enantioselective hydrogenations. Recently, he has started research on shape selectivity and novel approaches to enantioselective heterogeneous catalysis.

METHANE. Expert's expertise includes methane. He has done research on the catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of methane to ethane and ethylene.

POLLUTION CATALYSIS. Expert has had long experience with wastewater cleanup. This has involved wastewater cleanup using catalytic oxidation and ozonation in combination with ultrasound and catalysts composed of iron, manganese, and aluminum. Recently he has branched into gas cleanup.

CHEMISTRY. Expert is a Chemistry Professor. While most of his expertise lies in areas of organic chemistry and catalysis, he has also worked in chemical kinetics and physical chemistry. His work involves organic solvents, organic synthesis, and qualitative organic chemistry.

Expert has held many offices in the professional associations of his field: Chairman, Gordon Research Conference on Catalysis, 1978; Director of The Catalysis Society, 1976-1989; Treasurer, The Catalysis Society, 1977-1989; Director, Organic Reactions Catalysis Society, 1974-1988 and 1989-1994; Chairman, Organic Reactions Catalysis Society, 1976-1978; Chairman, Sixth Conference on Catalysis in Organic Syntheses, Boston, 1976; Vice-Chairman, Gordon Research Conference on Catalysis, 1977; Associate Member, Board Committee on Professional Relations, American Chemical Society, 1975-1977; Local Counselor, Southern Illinois Section of American Chemical Society; Treasurer, 1982-1983; 1993-1994; Chairman-Elect, 1988; Chairman, l989; Director, Illinois State Academy of Science, 1991-(re-elected 1994, but resigned to assume Treasurer's position; reelected Treasurer 1996, but resigned); President, Southern Illinois University Chapter of Sigma Xi, 1993-1994; Treasurer SIUC Sigma Xi, 1999 - present; Student Awards Committee, International Precious Metals Institute, 2000 - present; President Elect SIUC Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, 2000.

Expert was on the editorial board for the Journal of Catalysis from 1976-1983. He was a recepient of the Phillips Petroleum Research Fellowship (1957-1958) and the IIT Faculty Research Fellowship (1965-1966).

Expert is a recipient of numerous research honors and awards including the Outstanding Researcher Award, College of Science, SIUC, 1990; the Kaplan Research Award, Sigma Xi, SIUC,1992; the Paul N. Rylander Award, Organic Reaction Catalysis Society, 1995; a Doctor Honoris Causa degree from József Attila University, Szeged, Hungary, 1996; Henry J. Albert Medal, International Precious Metals Institute, 1998; and, most recently, honorary membership in Phi Kappa Phi, 2000.

Expert has experience locating vendors of GC/mass spectrometers, HPLCs, labeled chemicals, gases, and specialty gases. He has access to the following resources to aid in vendor location: His experience as a departmental purchasing officer, and numerous personal contacts with company vendors.