Clemson professor named Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Published: July 27, 2010

CLEMSON — Ken Marcus, a professor of analytical chemistry at Clemson University, has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Europe's largest professional and academic society for chemistry.

As an analytical chemist, Marcus studies the chemical components of materials. He is an expert in the use of plasma in atomic spectroscopy. The technique allows scientists to analyze a diverse array of materials.

His current research deals with the characterization of dietary supplements/nutraceuticals and methods for separating proteins in complex mixtures using novel polymer fibers. Instruments developed in Marcus' lab are sold by several manufacturers.

"This is a significant recognition of Ken's work and the esteem in which he's held by his colleagues," said Stephen Creager, chairman of Clemson's chemistry department. "We are proud of his accomplishments here at Clemson and internationally."

Marcus earned bachelor's degrees in chemistry and physics from Longwood College and a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Virginia. Now entering his 25th year on the Clemson faculty, Marcus serves on the editorial advisory board for four international journals and was the recipient of the 2001 S.C. Governor's Award for Excellence in Science Research.

With 46,000 members worldwide, the London-based Royal Society of Chemistry is the largest organization in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences. It selects Fellows from nominees who have "made an outstanding contribution to the advancement or application of chemical science, the chemical science profession, or the management or direction of an organization in which chemical science is important."

The Royal Society of Chemistry traces its roots to the Chemical Society of London, established in 1841. It received its Royal Charter in 1980 with the dual role of learned society and professional body following the merger of the Chemical Society, the Royal Institute of Chemistry, the Faraday Society and the Society for Analytical Chemistry. Its activities include research, publishing, education, conferences, science policy and the promotion of chemistry to the public.

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