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Donald Laverne Katz (August 1, 1907 near Jackson, Michigan – May 29, 1989 Ann Arbor, Michigan) was an American chemist and chemical engineer.^[1][2]

The 1983 National Medal of Science was presented to Katz by President Ronald Reagan "for solving many practical engineering problems by delving into a wide group of sciences and making their synergistic effects evident." ^{[3] [4]} Katz was also noted for developing a hazard rating system for dangerous bulk cargoes.^[5] The New York Times called Katz an "oil expert".^[1] The National Academy of Engineering called him a "world leader" in reservoir engineering.^[2]

Katz was chairman of the Chemical Engineering Department and A. H. White University Professor at the University of Michigan.^[1][6][7] He was also a member of the National Academy of Engineering.^[7]

He was a father to Marvin L. Katz and Linda Katz.

Notable awards and honors

Katz received the following distinctions and honors:^[6]

• 1950 Hanlon Award, Gas Processors Association
• 1959 President, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• 1959 Michigan Engineer of the Year, Society of Petroleum Engineers
• 1962 Distinguished Lecturer, Society of Petroleum Engineers
• 1963 Visiting Professor, National School of Chemistry, Rio de Janeiro
• 1964 John Franklin Carll Award, Society of Petroleum Engineers
• 1964 Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award, University of Michigan
• 1964 Founders Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• 1967 Warren K. Lewis Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• 1968 Member, National Academy of Engineering
• 1968 William H. Walker Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• 1969 Honorary Member, Phi Lambda Upsilon
• 1970 Mineral Industries Award, American Institute of Mining Engineers
• 1972 Distinguished Public Service Award, U.S. Coast Guard
• 1975 E. V. Murphree Award, American Chemical Society
• 1977 Gas Industry Research Award, American Gas Association
• 1978 Lucas Gold Medal, American Institute of Mining Engineers
• 1979 Award of Merit, Michigan Historical Society
• 1983 Selected as an Eminent Chemical Engineer, 75th Anniversary of American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• 1983 National Medal of Science
• 1984 Designated Distinguished Member, Society of Petroleum Engineers
• 1986 Honorary Member, American Institute of Mining Engineers

Education

• 1931 B.S.E., Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan
• 1932 M.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan
• 1933 Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan

References