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.

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First woman department chair

First woman department chair

In 1990, Dr. Elizabeth Cummins was named chair of Missouri S&T’s English department. She joined S&T as an instructor in…

Janet Kavandi on faculty support

Janet Kavandi on faculty support

Janet Kavandi, who earned a master’s degree in chemistry in 1982, discusses the importance of...

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Megan (Jekel) and Jonathan Pardeck

Megan (Jekel) and Jonathan Pardeck

Megan (Jekel), a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, and Jonathan Pardeck, a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity, met through…

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...

Laura Pirrone and Patrick Corcoran

Laura Pirrone and Patrick Corcoran

Laura Pirrone and Patrick Corcoran had two things in common when they met at S&T.  “We actually went to high…