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).
Sarah (Lewey) and Leslie “Les” McDaniel
When Sarah (Lewey) and Leslie “Les” McDaniel met in 2013 at a local bar called the Grotto, it was all…
Builders of the bomb
The U.S. government’s Manhattan Project, which led to the development of the first nuclear weapons, was a massive but highly…
Walking on the sky
Col. Thomas Akers, Math’73, MS Math’75, has logged more than 800 hours of space flight and 29 hours of space-walking…
Courtney (Mandeville) and Josh Weber
Courtney (Mandeville) met Josh Weber at a Greek life mixer that she attended with her roommate in April 2015. “Going…
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…
Using glass to treat cancer
An expert in developing specialty glasses for use in health care, transportation infrastructure and other applications, Delbert Day is known…