SFU Chemistry Professor Ed Zovinka was named a 2026 American Chemical Society (ACS) Fellow in July. The program was introduced in 2009 to honor scientists for their professional achievements.
To be nominated, one must make a significant contribution to the chemistry field. Zovinka was honored with fellowship distinction for his research in Green Chemistry methods.
“We want to do it [chemistry] the right way,” Zovinka said.
Nominees must also contribute to chemistry by volunteering.
“For me, that was the ROCK program,” he said.
Zovinka founded Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (ROCK) in 1995 with the goal of sharing the importance of science with local students. Today, the program is led by SFU Assistant Chemistry Professor Ashley Smith-Diemler.
“We’ve reached over 80,000 K-through-12 students [through ROCK],” Zovinka said.
Zovinka has served on the SFU faculty since 1994. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Roanoke College and his doctoral degree from the University of California-Davis. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at North Carolina State.
Zovinka said he is passionate about his work as a teacher and scientist. He said he looks forward to continuing to serve the chemistry community.
“It is a great honor to be selected as an ACS fellow.”
