The Richard E. Tressler Lectures in Materials honors the very important work of Professor Richard E. Tressler who was head of Penn State's Department of Materials Science and Engineering from 1991-2001. Read more
2025 Tressler Awards
3:05 to 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 15 in 101 Ag Science Building
“Arkema: Innovative Materials for a Sustainable World”
Arthur Martin, Ph.D.
Vice President of R&D North America, Arkema
Abstract
In an ever-changing world, innovation must be able to address the energy and technology challenges. Mostly focused on sustainable development, the Arkema research and development activities make it one of the most innovative chemical manufacturers in the world.
Biographical Information
Arthur Martin is a seasoned and strategic global research and development executive leader with a balance of technical and business acumen with over twenty-five-plus years of experience in sustaining existing product revenue and profitability as well as driving growth opportunities with new product development for existing and emerging markets. Martin is currently the vice president of research and development North America at Arkema where he is responsible for leading Arkema’s sustainable growth markets in advance materials, specialty adhesives, and coatings. In the span of his illustrious career, he possesses vast experience in specialty materials in market areas specific to electronic, e-mobility, aerospace, high-performance glass, high frequency wire and cable, medical and industrial polymers. Martin is an established leader in new product development, intellectual property strategy, portfolio management, innovation stage gate process, open innovation and aligning product offerings with specific customer needs that translate into agile innovation. Within research and development programs, Martin has been able to incorporate digital transformation for innovation speed and cost effectiveness.
Martin is a board member of Innovation Research Interchange, gold sponsor of the Chemical Innovation Exchange, board members of the Children of the Caribbean, long-standing member of the National Organization of Black Chemist and Engineers, member of the American Chemical Society, member of the Scientific History Institute, and a board member of several renowned academic research institutions. He was awarded the BEYA-MIRS Emerald Award for Research Leadership in February 2012. Martin has held several research and development leadership position at Corning Inc., Daikin America, and Dupont. He has been granted twenty-two U.S. patents and has led the commercialization of many products.
Martin holds a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from City College of New York, master of science degree in polymers science and engineering from New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, and a Ph.D. in material chemistry from New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering.
3:05 to 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 in 101 Ag Science Building
“Oil and Gas Sector: Cutting-Edge Advanced Materials for Sustainable Energy”
Faisal Al-Faqeer, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President In Kingdom Liquids to Chemicals Development, Saudi Aramco
Abstract
The oil and gas industry stands as a cornerstone of global energy, yet, it faces increasing demands for efficiency, sustainability, and safety. Advanced materials have emerged as critical enablers in addressing these challenges, offering innovative solutions that enhance exploration, production, and processing. The regulations and safety standards in the oil and gas industry are among the most stringent and complex in the world. This is because the industry operates in high-risk environments where even smallest of mistakes can lead to catastrophic consequences such as oil spills, explosions, or environmental damage. Advanced materials play a central role in maintaining operational efficiency and reliability.
In this lecture, Al-Faqeer will touch upon some of the latest developments and focus on non-metallic applications in oil and gas operations. He will also discuss the potential of these materials to reduce carbon emissions, improve overall energy efficiency, and explore the potential for non-metallics.
Biographical Information
Faisal Mohammed Al-Faqeer, Ph.D. is the senior vice president of IK Liquids to Chemicals Development at Saudi Aramco. He leads one of the company’s most vital initiatives: the conversion of liquid hydrocarbons to chemicals. Al-Faqeer’s experience in petrochemicals and refining industries spans thirty years, and he previously served as the CEO of Sadara Chemical Company. In addition, he has overseen various functions at Saudi Aramco, including engineering consulting services, research and development, and refining.
Al-Faqeer has served as the vice president of Aramco’s Ras Tanura Refinery, a complex refining facility. Prior to joining Ras Tanura Refinery, he led Aramco’s Research and Development Center, where he was responsible for establishing several research satellite centers in North America and Europe.
Al-Faqeer is the chairman of the shareholders committee at ARLANXEO, and is the chairman of the talent and compensation subcommittee. He is a board member at Saudi Basic Industries Corporation and is the chairman of the board of the risk, sustainability and HSE committee. Al-Faqeer is the chairman of the board of Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery Company, Ltd. He serves on the board of Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company and is a member and chairman of the board’s compensation committee. Al-Faqeer is a board member at the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association. He is a member of the board of trustees of the National Industrial Training Institute. Also, Al-Faqeer served on Sadara's board of directors and was a member of the project execution and ethics and compliance committees before he became Sadara’s CEO.
Al-Faqeer earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Penn State, as well as a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. In addition, he has participated in several leadership and management training programs, including the leadership program at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.
Past Tressler Awardees
2022: Patrick Yoder, M.S.
2022: Robert Petcavich, Ph.D.
2020: Melissa Hockstad, M.S.
2020: Lawrence Hancock, Ph.D.
2019: Maureen L. Mulvihill, Ph.D.
2019: Amit Das, Ph.D.
2017: Dawne Moffatt-Fairbanks, Ph.D.
2016: Tim Hsu
2016: S. Jill Glass
2015: Curtis Johnson
2015: Joseph Monkowski
2015: Darryl Butt, Ph.D.
2013: Delbert E. Day, Ph.D.
2013: David R. Clarke, Ph.D.
2012: Nancy J. McGinnis
2012: Yet-Ming Chiang
2011: Mildred S. Dresselhaus, Ph.D.
2011: L. Eric Cross, Ph.D.
2011: Donald W. Hamer
2010: Ed Kramer, Ph.D.
2010: Naomi J. Halas, Ph.D.
2010: Gerbrand Ceder, Ph.D.
2010: Joseph A. Miller