Posted on Friday, September 5, 2025
Dr. Pete Smith, professor of chemistry in the Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry at Westminster College, was named an American Chemical Society (ACS) Fellow in recognition of his leadership in advancing undergraduate research and enhancing the student educational experience.
Smith is one of 36 members named an ACS fellow in 2025 and joins an elite group of more than 1,400 scientists recognized for outstanding contributions to science, the profession and society. He was honored at a ceremony and reception on Aug. 18 during the society’s national meeting in Washington, D.C.
Smith’s continuous leadership in promoting sustainability and supporting the professional development of scientists—specifically students and industry professionals—was a key factor in his nomination.
The selection of ACS Fellows is based on documented excellence and leadership in the areas of science, the profession, education and management and volunteer service in the ACS community.
Smith’s research focuses on sustainable separations chemistry, including the recovery of critical materials like rare earths and lithium. His work on the rational design of ligand synthesis and metal ion separations contributes to advancing environmentally friendly methods for resource recovery, addressing critical challenges in material sustainability and waste management.
During his nine years as chair of Westminster’s biochemistry and chemistry department, Smith worked to strengthen academic programs, support early-career faculty and expand opportunities for student success. As director of undergraduate research, Smith worked closely with faculty to strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations and enrich the student learning experience, fostering both academic and professional growth.
Smith’s dedication to the ACS community is evident in his service across numerous committees and professional roles. He serves on the Committee on Environment and Sustainability (CES), where he chairs the Policy Subcommittee, and is a councilor on the Division of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. He is a member-at-large for the Division of Professional Relations and previously held leadership roles as chair succession and treasurer for ACS.
Smith’s leadership goes beyond the efforts of a traditional committee member, particularly his leadership in creating a new policy statement on critical minerals, which provided lasting impacts to the ACS, CES and the greater scientific community.
“I am incredibly honored to be chosen as a fellow of the ACS. This is the highlight of my career. I have worked very hard to build communities within the ACS so that it can be the professional society for all chemists,” Smith said. “I am also thankful for the opportunities I have had to craft policy positions for the ACS on matters of sustainability in the chemical enterprise.”
Smith said the highlight of the ceremony was being recognized as an ACS Fellow alongside Chemistry Nobel Laureate Dr. Frances Arnold of the California Institute of Technology, as well as two of his closest colleagues and friends in the ACS, Dr. Gloria Thomas of Southern University and Dr. Richard Mayes of Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Smith, who joined the Westminster College faculty in 2002, earned his undergraduate and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
