David Cox, professor of chemical engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech faculty since 1986, Cox is an international expert in the characterization and catalytic reactivity of well-defined metal oxide surfaces. He co-authored 98 peer-reviewed publications, including journal articles and reviews, and personally accounted for $3.9 million in grant funding while participating in projects with grants totaling $4.9 million.

In his career at Virginia Tech, Cox has served the Department of Chemical Engineering as the primary undergraduate academic advisor, the assistant department head for undergraduate studies, the interim department head for the 2012-13 academic year, and as the department head.

In the classroom, Cox taught multiple undergraduate and graduate core courses, and graduate electives in solid-state materials and surface characterization. He has directed 12 Ph.D. dissertations and six master’s degree theses, supported postdoctoral associates and international visitors, and served on many master’s degree and Ph.D. committees.

Cox is a member of the American Vacuum Society, American Chemical Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, North American Catalysis Society, and the Southeastern Catalysis Society. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee, and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Florida.

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