MEDIA, Pa. — The American Chemical Society honored Michael De Rosa, professor of chemistry at Penn State Brandywine, on June 17 at the Chemical Heritage Foundation in Philadelphia for his 50 years of noteworthy service to the organization.
For more than 140 years, the American Chemical Society has worked to advance science, enable career development, educate the public and support future chemists, according to its website. De Rosa joined the society in 1965.
“Michael's 50 years of service is a remarkable professional milestone,” Director of Academic Affairs Cynthia Lightfoot said. “Dedicated service to one's profession, such as that shown by Michael, is critical on so many levels.”
Since joining the Brandywine faculty in 1989, De Rosa has taught countless chemistry courses and worked side-by-side with undergraduate students on research projects. Many of his students have appeared as co-authors of his research publications and conference presentations. De Rosa has more than 50 publications and his work has been honored with several University awards. He recently was awarded his sixth National Science Foundation grant for the support of undergraduate research.
His research focus is on the synthesis and reactions of the compounds 2- and 3-aminopyrrole, which he discovered. He explained that the compounds’ reactions can be used to make other compounds that have potential medicinal uses.
De Rosa said that one of his favorite things about conducting research is that “you never know what the next experiment will bring.”
“Michael was among the first faculty members at Brandywine to engage students in substantive programs of research,” Lightfoot said. “Much of this work generated groundbreaking results leading to publications in national and international journals. It's difficult to overstate the consequences of these experiences for students.”
De Rosa received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the City College of New York of the City University of New York and his doctoral degree in organic chemistry from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York.
