Alexander Orlov, a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Stony Brook University, has been elected vice chair of the Sustainability Engineering Forum (SEF) at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). The SEF is a technical forum with 340 members from various disciplines that promotes professional development focused on sustainability.
Orlov will also serve as chair of the Environmental Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS), which was established in 1913 and currently has 3,000 members.
“I am very grateful to my chemistry and chemical engineering colleagues who elected me to lead environmental and sustainability efforts at these very impactful societies that transform the US chemical industries,” said Orlov.
Dilip Gersappe, chair of the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, commented on Orlov’s election: “Professor Orlov’s election to leadership roles at both AIChE and ACS is a remarkable achievement and a testament to his vision and impact in sustainability and environmental engineering. His work exemplifies how materials science and chemical engineering can drive responsible innovation at scale. We are proud to see our department’s faculty helping shape the future priorities of two of the most influential scientific societies in our field.”
Orlov’s research focuses on developing new materials for energy generation, structural applications, and environmental protection. He has received several honors, including the US National Science Foundation CAREER Award. He has also been selected as a Fellow by organizations such as the UK Royal Society of Chemistry, participated in programs by the US National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering, EU-US Frontiers of Engineering, and was named Kavli Fellow by the Kavli Foundation and US National Academy of Sciences in 2014. In addition to previously chairing AIChE’s Environmental Division in 2022, he received the Dr. Peter B. Lederman Service Award for outstanding service to that division in 2024.
The chemical industry plays an important role in the United States economy. According to analysis from the US National Academies, it contributed $5.2 trillion—about one quarter of national GDP—and provided jobs for 4.1 million people in 2020. AIChE and ACS are among its largest supporting societies with long histories promoting innovation.
Orlov began his appointments with both AIChE and ACS on January 1, 2026. He lives in Middle Island, New York.
