Robert Ofoli


Robert Y. Ofoli is an American chemical engineer and academic who is an associate professor of chemical engineering and materials science at Michigan State University. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, elected in 2018 for his contributions to nanocatalysis and nanostructured interfaces.

Education

Ofoli received a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural mechanization from the University of Maine. He subsequently earned two doctoral degrees: a PhD in agricultural engineering from Michigan State University in 1984, and a PhD in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1994.

Career

Ofoli joined Michigan State University, where he has served as faculty adviser for the AIChE Student Chapter since 1996. His research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of nanoscale catalysts for sustainable production of fuels and materials. More recently, his work has addressed plastics upcycling to promote a circular economy, and earth-abundant catalyst complexes for sustainable fuel production.
As a co-investigator on a $2 million National Science Foundation grant, Ofoli participated in research to chemically upcycle waste plastics such as polyethylene into higher-value materials like nylon. The project engaged students from Michigan's tribal colleges as research aides.
Ofoli has mentored 13 PhD and 12 master's students from diverse countries in three disciplines: chemical engineering, agricultural engineering, and food science. He served as Faculty Excellence Advocate for the MSU College of Engineering, a position focused on ensuring equitable processes in faculty hiring and promotion.

Professional service

Ofoli has held several leadership roles within AIChE. He served as chair of the AIChE Career and Education Operating Council in 2017, and has held various positions with the national Chem-E-Car program, including membership on the team that revamped its safety operations. He served as chair of the AIChE Fellows Council, where he worked to diversify the fellowship's membership. He was a candidate in the 2024 AIChE elections.
At Michigan State, Ofoli has served on the University Committee on Academic Governance, University Council, and Faculty Senate.

Awards and honors