Presented every three years, this prestigious honor recognizes a rising leader in the international zeolite community for their outstanding contributions to the science and technology of zeolites and related nanoporous materials.

Dr. Gounder, a world-renowned expert in catalysis & zeolite science, leads a research group that studies how to synthetically tailor zeolite catalysts with desired atomic-scale and bulk properties. His group studies catalytic applications of zeolites to convert carbon-based and renewable feedstocks into valuable chemicals and fuels, and to mitigate emissions of harmful pollutants from automotive exhaust. As an example, his group’s research in the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center for Innovative and Strategic Transformation of Alkane Resources (CISTAR) explores more efficient ways to convert methane into valuable chemical products using non-oxidative routes, and to convert light hydrocarbon gases into liquid transportation fuels using olefin oligomerization reactions. His group’s advanced zeolite research stands to improve the foundational chemical manufacturing processes to be cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective.

“Our research has explored how to design structure-directing agents used in zeolite crystallization to precisely control the positioning of catalytic active sites,” Gounder explained. “These advances have enabled new catalytic materials for producing valuable petrochemicals and for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions in automotive exhaust. Our ongoing research, particularly within CISTAR, aims to help develop technologies that produce affordable and renewable forms of energy and chemicals, while protecting our environment and human health. Collaborating with industry partners has been key to bridging the gap between lab discoveries and real-world applications.”

Dr. Gounder's research group at Purdue University. 

For instance, Gounder’s collaboration with Susteon and Professor Rakesh Agrawal, Winthrop E. Stone Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering and CISTAR Thrust 4 Lead, which brings together novel zeolite catalysts for olefin oligomerization and electrified reactor technology to advance the production of sustainable aviation fuels. This innovative approach recently earned the team a $5.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E’s GREENWELLS initiative, supporting their mission to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy and fuel solutions.

Reflecting on the honor, Dr. Gounder remarked, “I am deeply grateful for this recognition from the International Zeolite Association. It’s a testament to the talent, creativity, and dedication of my students, collaborators, and colleagues, and to the vibrant and supportive research ecosystem in Purdue Chemical Engineering and CISTAR.”