The University of Michigan community is grieving the loss of Ralph T. Yang, a professor emeritus and distinguished leader in chemical engineering, who passed away peacefully on January 27, with his wife, Frances, by his side. Recognized globally for his groundbreaking work in chemical adsorption and separation science, Professor Yang’s pioneering research and mentorship have left a significant legacy.
Ralph Yang began his academic journey at National Taiwan University, earning a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1964. He furthered his studies at Yale University, obtaining an M.S. and Ph.D. His postdoctoral work took place at New York University and Argonne National Lab.
Yang’s early career incorporated roles at Alcoa and Brookhaven National Lab before transitioning to academia. Starting at the State University of New York, Buffalo, in 1978, he advanced to full professor and department chair. In 1995, he joined the University of Michigan, where he led the Chemical Engineering Department until 2000.
Renowned for his scientific contributions, Ralph Yang authored over 400 publications, held more than 30 patents, and received top honors from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), including the William H. Walker Award and Clarence Gerhold Award. The American Carbon Society awarded him the SGL Carbon Award for his work in carbon materials.
One of Yang’s notable achievements was his 2003 study on sulfur removal from fuels, co-authored with Dr. Hernandez-Maldonado and Frances Yang, published in Science. This breakthrough in materials science was highlighted as a “Breakthrough of the Year” by Chemical & Engineering News and featured on the BBC and NPR.
Yang’s advancements in desulfurization technology have significantly impacted environmental sustainability, air quality, and energy system efficiency. Beyond his scientific achievements, Yang was a devoted mentor to over 40 doctoral students and numerous postdoctoral fellows and visiting scholars. He was instrumental in recruiting talent and shaping the department’s future.
Even after his tenure as chair, Ralph Yang remained an active contributor, sharing his expertise generously. Recognized for his leadership, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, Academia Sinica in Taiwan, and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. In 2017, he was named Distinguished University Professor at the University of Michigan.
The university and chemical engineering community deeply mourn this loss, celebrating Ralph Yang’s enduring impact on research, teaching, and mentorship. His work in promoting safer fuels and cleaner air will inspire future generations.
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