University of Michigan Remembers Esteemed Chemical Engineering Scholar Ralph T. Yang
The University of Michigan community is deeply saddened by the passing of Ralph T. Yang, a revered figure in the field of chemical engineering known for his groundbreaking work in adsorption and separation science. Mr. Yang, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 27, was surrounded by his wife, Frances, at the time of his passing.
Ralph Yang’s illustrious academic path commenced at National Taiwan University, where he earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1964. He further advanced his expertise at Yale University with both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, followed by postdoctoral research positions at New York University and Argonne National Lab.
Yang’s professional journey included vital roles in industry and national laboratories at Alcoa and Brookhaven National Lab. He transitioned to academia in 1978, joining the State University of New York, Buffalo, as an associate professor, quickly ascending to full professor and department chair.
In 1995, Yang took on the leadership of the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Michigan, serving as chair until 2000.
Ralph Yang’s career was marked by significant scientific contributions, with over 400 publications and more than 30 patents. His work earned him numerous prestigious awards, including three from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE): the William H. Walker Award, the Institute Award for Excellence, and the Clarence Gerhold Award.
In 1999, the American Carbon Society bestowed upon him the SGL Carbon Award for his exceptional contributions to carbon materials science and technology.
Among his notable research achievements was a collaborative study on removing sulfur from fuels, published in Science in 2003. This pioneering work, conducted with Dr. Hernandez-Maldonado and Frances Yang, was recognized by Chemical & Engineering News as the top “Breakthrough of the Year” in Materials, garnering attention from the BBC and NPR.
Yang’s innovations in deep desulfurization not only advanced materials science but also played a crucial role in environmental sustainability, enhancing air quality and energy system efficiency.
Beyond his research, Professor Yang was a dedicated mentor, guiding over 40 doctoral students and numerous postdoctoral fellows and visiting scholars. He was also known for his enthusiastic teaching of undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the next generation of scholars. His leadership abilities were evident in his active recruitment and development of faculty talent.
Even after stepping down as chair, Yang remained a valuable and active colleague, offering his expertise generously to the university and the international chemical engineering community. He maintained his commitment to excellence in scholarship and service until health issues intervened.
Yang’s achievements were recognized with his election to the National Academy of Engineering (2005), Academia Sinica in Taiwan (2008), and as a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (2015). In 2017, the University of Michigan honored him as a Distinguished University Professor.
The impact of Ralph Yang’s work, from safer fuels to cleaner air and a more sustainable world, continues to inspire future generations, leaving a lasting legacy at the University of Michigan and beyond.
