James M. “Jim” Tanko, professor of chemistry in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 38 years, Tanko was principal or co-principal investigator on numerous federal grants researching electrochemistry, kinetics, synthetic methods, green chemistry, mechanisms of enzyme-catalyzed mechanisms, and supercritical fluids. Tanko authored or co-authored over 60 refereed journal articles, numerous book chapters and other publications, and one book in the area of radical and radical-ion chemistry which brought international visibility to Virginia Tech.

Tanko served on numerous committees and commissions, including eight years as the chair of the Department of Chemistry. In the classroom, he taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of organic and physical chemistry.

Throughout his career, Tanko served as a mentor and advisor for numerous undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral research associates and helped them develop successful careers in academia, industry, and the government sector.

Tanko received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from University of Maryland Baltimore County and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Iowa State University.

Written by Anja Hemesath, a student writer for Virginia Tech Marketing and Communications

Contact:

Tags

Share this story