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).

Major league research

Major league research

Three S&T faculty helped strike down claims that “juiced” baseballs were the cause of a spike in Major League home…

Kayla Klossner-Thompson and Cole Thompson

Kayla Klossner-Thompson and Cole Thompson

Kayla Klossner-Thompson and Cole Thompson attended the same high school, but their friendship didn’t start until they met at S&T…

Gregory McClain: education’s key to success

Gregory McClain: education’s key to success

Gregory McClain, who graduated in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering management and...

Not your average Joe

Not your average Joe

You know all about Joe Miner, the world’s greatest mascot. But do you know Joe Minor, the civil engineer? Joseph…

Keith and Bobbie (Smith) Wedge

Keith and Bobbie (Smith) Wedge

Keith Wedge met his future wife, Bobbie (Smith), in November 1967 while he was helping establish a chapter of Pi…

Raising support for scholarship

Raising support for scholarship

Zebulun Nash, who graduated with a degree in chemical engineering in 1972, was part of a team that got its…