YPSILANTI, MI – Jamil Baghdachi, Professor of Engineering Technology at Eastern Michigan University, has been inducted as one of the 2014 Fellows of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

The ACS recognized the Fellows in August during its 248^th national meeting and exposition in San Francisco. The class included 99 scientists who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in chemistry and who have made significant contributions to science, the community and to the ACS.

Baghdachi arrived on Eastern’s campus 17 years ago after spending 15 years in the industry. He has taught and mentored thousands of students at the university and within the industry through professional training courses. Many of these former students are now making their own technical and scientific contributions in academia and the science industry.

Baghdachi’s work includes 48 patents, scores of refereed publications and five volumes of technical books. Some of his most significant contributions in the coatings and polymer field include:

• The invention of an adhesive/coating that is used as binders for solid-fuel rocket propellants, and coatings for use in heavy industries and oil and gas pipelines;
• The development and patent of an adhesive sealant that is being used by nearly all of the U.S.-based automotive manufacturers to bond windshields to the car body; and
• The development of antimicrobial coatings that are being used on some refrigerators, telephones and computer keyboards.

Baghdachi was the recipient of the 2011 Alumni Teaching Excellent Award and also received the 2009 Roon Best Paper Award. He is also one of the EMU faculty members highlighted in the new TRUEMU campaign, “Elevating Communities, Inspiring Generations,” which showcases research at Eastern Michigan University.

Baghdachi’s non-academic contributions are notable as well. He has served as a member of the American Chemical Society for over 38 years and has spent time providing his expertise to numerous professional societies and organizations. In 2012, he was awarded the highest service recognition “Industry Excellence Award” from the American Coatings Association.