Paul Anastas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul T. Anastas
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| Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for Research and Development | |
| In office 2009–2012 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 16, 1962 Quincy, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Spouse |
Julie Zimmerman (m. 2006)
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| Education | University of Massachusetts Boston Brandeis University |
Paul T. Anastas (born May 16, 1962, in Quincy, Massachusetts) is an American scientist, inventor, and professor. He is famous for his work in Green Chemistry, which is about making chemicals and chemical processes safer for the environment. He has also worked for the U.S. government, including as a science advisor for the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
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Paul Anastas's Work in Green Chemistry
Paul Anastas is widely known for his ideas on how to design and make chemicals. His goal is to create chemicals that are not harmful to people or the environment. He is also a big supporter of using science and new ideas to protect our planet.
He has helped the world understand how designing molecules (the tiny building blocks of everything) can help the environment. He has written many articles and books. One of his most important books is Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, which he wrote with John Warner.
The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry
Paul Anastas and John Warner created the "12 Principles of Green Chemistry". These principles are like a set of rules for making chemicals in a way that is better for the Earth. They are now taught in schools and universities around the world. These ideas have really changed how chemical companies work in the United States and other countries.
Paul Anastas's Career Journey
Paul Anastas started his career as a chemist at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There, he came up with the name "Green Chemistry." He also started the first research program focused on this new field.
In 1997, he helped start the Green Chemistry Institute. From 1999 to 2004, he worked at the White House, helping with environmental science. He returned to the EPA in 2009 as a top science advisor. He worked to bring scientists and engineers together to focus on protecting the environment.
Paul Anastas also helped start several companies that use green chemistry ideas. Today, he leads the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale University.
Paul Anastas's Early Life
Paul Anastas grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts. He became interested in science and the environment when he saw the natural wetlands behind his home destroyed for a building project. This experience made him want to protect nature.
When he was nine years old, he received an award from President Richard Nixon. It was for an essay he wrote about the founding of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As a teenager, he became good friends with another green chemist, John Warner. They have worked together on many projects, including the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry. Paul is also a big fan of the Boston Red Sox baseball team.
He studied chemistry in college. He earned his first degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He then got his master's and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry from Brandeis University.
Paul Anastas in the News
Paul Anastas and his work have been featured in many popular news outlets. These include:
- Chemical & Engineering News: Paul Anastas and His Crew are Coming to Green Up Your World
- The New York Times: Green Chemistry Guru Charting New Course at EPA
- WHYY Radio Times: Paul T. Anastas the Father of Green Chemistry
- Nature: Chemistry: It's Not Easy Being Green
- Yale Scientific: Paul Anastas: A Power Player in the Global Chemical Industry
Paul Anastas's Public Speaking
Paul Anastas is known for giving exciting and interesting talks. He encourages people to think differently about environmental problems. His speeches are often described as "thought provoking" and "inspiring." He has been a main speaker at many important events, such as:
- The American College and University President's Climate Commitment Summit
- The Joseph Priestley Lecture at the Chemical Heritage Foundation
- The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development Roundtable
Awards and Recognition
Paul Anastas has received many awards for his important work. Some of these include:
- 2021: Volvo Environmental Prize
- 2018: Honorary Doctorate of Science, University of Massachusetts Boston, US
- 2017: US Environmental Protection Agency Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2016: Royal Society of Chemistry, Green Chemistry Award
- 2015: Emanuel Merck Lectureship Prize
- 2012: Wöhler Prize from the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker
- 2012: Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Technology Pioneer Award
- 2008: The Annual Leadership in Science Award (with John Warner)
- 2007: The John Jeyes Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry
- 2006: The 12th Annual Heinz Award for the Environment
- 2005: The Scientific American 50 Award for Policy Innovation
- 2004: The first Canadian Green Chemistry Award
- 2001: Recognized by President George W. Bush for his service after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
- 1998: The Vice President's Hammer Award for his work on the U.S. Green Chemistry Program.
- 1991: President H.W. Bush’s Point-of-Light Award for volunteer service.
He has also been an honorary professor at the University of Nottingham and Queens University of Belfast.
