Richard K. Vitek, a 1958 chemistry graduate, began his career as a research chemist producing uranium from ore, before moving on to work as a scientist, director and startup CEO. His accomplishments include working with the U.S. Coast Guard to develop UV imaging instruments that analyze oil spills to identify the tankers responsible and develop a method of testing arsenic levels in wine that led the Environmental Protection Agency to impose stricter limits on pesticide use in U.S. vineyards.

Share This Story

Spark a Memory?

Share your story! Fill out the form below to share your fondest memory or anecdote of S&T. If you'd prefer not typing, you can also share by phone at 833-646-3715 (833-Miner150).

Tom Benton’s ‘Missouri,’ from mural to movie

Tom Benton’s ‘Missouri,’ from mural to movie

It was “over a few root beer floats” one night that James Bogan and Frank Fillo decided to make a…

They appraised the Titanic

They appraised the Titanic

After watching a documentary in which survivors of the April 1912 R.M.S. Titanic sinking recalled hearing a loud cracking noise…

Taylor Husman and Tyler Recker

Taylor Husman and Tyler Recker

Taylor Husman and Tyler Recker met on the patio of Kappa Sigma fraternity on their second night at S&T in…

Giving others an opportunity

Giving others an opportunity

Steven Frey works to ensure others have the opportunity to attend graduate programs at S&T like he did. Frey says…

Kaitlyn Loucks and Jacob Bellomy

Kaitlyn Loucks and Jacob Bellomy

Kaitlyn Loucks and Jacob Bellomy met each other at a fraternity party while she was home from co-op one weekend…

John and Kristie (Capps) Gibson

John and Kristie (Capps) Gibson

After a basketball game in February 1973, John Gibson and a friend went to a party at TJ Hall where…