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).
‘Mr. Miner’
The name “Mr. Miner” may sound like someone related to mascot Joe Miner, and in Jerry Bayless’s case it may…
Supporting female faculty at S&T
When she established the Woman of the Year award at Missouri S&T, Cindy Tang, a 1985 economics graduate, wanted to…
Abby (LaPreze) and Jeremy Morris
When Abby (LaPreze) and Jeremy Morris first met as members of the 2007 Chancellor’s Leadership Academy (CLA), they didn’t realize…
The ‘steam locomotive’ of printers
When Philip Chen joined Xerox Corp. in 1967, only big companies could afford printers and scanners. Now retired and with…
Creating fashion for feet
When Darla Ellis, a 2006 graduate in chemical engineering, began a summer internship with Nike, Inc. during her senior year…
Brandi (Andersen) and Patrick VerSteeg
Brandi (Andersen) and Patrick VerSteeg met during Opening Week in 2006. “My roommate and I knew Patrick’s roommate from Jackling…