By: Carolyn Farrell, Director, Awards and Honours, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering

Three alumni from the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering have received the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements and leadership in the industry.

Dr. Stephen Dunn received the Kalev Pugi award, presented for specific R&D projects that exhibit creativity and determination, good experimental design and project management. Dr. Larry Seeley received the International Award, acknowledging outstanding service to an industry that is based on chemistry for its processes and/or services in the international sphere. Mr. Brian Wastle was awarded the Canada Medal, presented for outstanding service to a Canadian industry that is based on chemistry for its processes and/or services.

Stephen Dunn is a triple alumnus of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, receiving his BASc in 1967, his MASc in 1969 and his PhD in 1971. He is currently the Director of Process Design and Development with Hatch Ltd., and is a world authority on the development of innovative process technologies for both the metallurgical and petroleum industries. The Kalev Pugi award recognizes his enormous contributions to the development of novel solvent-based processes for the in-situ recovery of bitumen from the Alberta oil sands. 

Larry Seeley is another triple alumnus of the Faculty, receiving his BASc in 1966, his MASc in 1968 and his PhD in 1972. In 1995 Dr. Seeley became President and CEO of Lakefield Research Ltd, building this internationally recognized metallurgical and environmental service company from about 100 to over 900 employees with operations in Canada, Australia, Chile, Brazil, and South Africa. He then founded Recapture Metals, which now, through recycling and extraction from Bayer process liquor, controls about 25% of the world market in Gallium. 

Brian Wastle (BASc 6T7) has had an extremely successful career in the chemical industry, including 25 years with Dow and over 16 years as Vice-President Responsible Care for the Canadian Chemical Producers' Association. Through his passion and leadership, Mr. Wastle has been a major contributor to the success of Responsible Care in Canada and internationally. He recently led the process of launching a new generation of Responsible Care, integrating the principles of sustainability that will have a positive impact on the industry for years to come.

These awards will be presented at the 2009 SCI Canada Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner to be held on Thursday, March 26, 2009, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto.

(home)