Errington elected fellow of AIChE

By Peter Murphy

Fellow is the highest grade AIChE members can achieve. According to AIChE, “Fellows are an important resource for AIChE in providing experience-based guidance to leadership and members, as well as contributing to the activities of many AIChE entities.”

Over the course of Errington’s two-decade career, he has built a distinguished career in molecular simulation and thermodynamics. He received the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award in 2003 for his project “Connecting Structural Order to Thermodynamic and Kinetic Properties of Aqueous Solutions: A Research and Education Program.” He has received several awards from the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research, AIChE’s Computational Molecular Science and Engineering Forum (CoMSEF), SUNY, UB and many others.

According to David Kofke, the Walter E. Schmid Chair and SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Errington was an ideal candidate because of his research and leadership experience.

“Jeff represents a rare combination of internationally recognized research excellence, sustained leadership in the profession and outstanding impactful academic leadership within engineering education,” said Kofke, who also nominated Errington for fellow status. “His trajectory reflects both depth and breadth. He is not only a leading scholar, but also an effective leader, administrator, and a committed educator.”

Errington’s career achievements align with several of the AIChE fellow criteria as well: research leadership and impact, professional service to AIChE, broader professional contributions, and academic and institutional leadership. He has also served as chair of CoMSEF and has led the organization of major conferences, such as the Foundations of Molecular Modeling and Simulation Series. In addition to his service to AIChE, Errington has contributed to organizations like Computer Aids for Chemical Engineering and has held leadership positions in UB’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, including as senior associate dean for academic affairs prior to his current position as department chair.

“His impact extends beyond research. His leadership in AIChE and his efforts in engineering education — especially his work to improve student outcomes at scale — demonstrate a broader commitment to strengthening the field as a whole,” Kofke said. “It is this combination of technical excellence, professional service and educational leadership that makes his contributions especially significant.”