Announcing a new director for KU’s Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis

From: Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
Sent: Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, 8:45 a.m.
To: KU Lawrence/Edwards faculty & staff

Dear Faculty & Staff,

I am pleased to announce that Alan Allgeier, Don W. Green Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, has been named director of KU’s Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis.

Dr. Allgeier came to KU from industry in 2017 and has served as deputy director of CEBC for four years. His commitment to innovation, research excellence and trainee mentoring make him an excellent choice for this leadership role. He will begin his duties immediately, filling a position held for more than 20 years by Bala Subramaniam, Dan F. Servey Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering, who is stepping away from administration to focus on his research.

The CEBC works to develop cleaner, safer, energy-efficient technologies that protect the planet and human health while training the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Allgeier earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Case Western Reserve University and a master’s degree and doctorate in chemistry from Northwestern University. He conducted research for two decades in industry — split between pharmaceuticals (Amgen) and chemicals (DuPont) — where he garnered significant expertise in catalysis, process chemistry and material science. In 2017 he moved to the University of Kansas, building a laboratory for sustainable catalysis and porous materials.

I extend my sincere thanks to the search committee — chaired by Kevin Leonard, associate dean for research in the School of Engineering and professor of chemical & petroleum engineering — for their outstanding work. I am also grateful to each of you who engaged in the search process and provided feedback.

Respectfully,
Shelley
 
Shelley Hooks
Vice Chancellor for Research