Trine University honors outstanding high school teacher, distinguished speaker

The Trine University McKetta Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering recognized excellence in education and research during a department dinner, held April 1. 

The event celebrated the recipients of the 2024 McKetta Outstanding High School Teacher Award and the 2025 McKetta Distinguished Speaker honor, both of which highlight significant contributions to the fields of chemical engineering and STEM education. 

The 2025 McKetta Distinguished Speaker was Zachary West, Ph.D., a Principal Research Engineer and the Fuel Science Group Leader at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) in Dayton, Ohio.  

A 2001 chemical engineering alumnus of Trine, Dr. West has spent more than 20 years advancing research in aviation turbine fuels, with expertise spanning petroleum and synthetic fuel analysis, oxidation chemistry, additive evaluation and computational modeling. He has authored or co-authored dozens of peer-reviewed publications and presented at international conferences.  

Dr. West’s talk, Flight Path: A Reverse Chronology, provided students with insight into his career path and research while offering valuable life and career advice, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful connections and giving back to the community. 

The 2024 McKetta Outstanding High School Teacher Award was presented to Nathan Ferrell, a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) teacher at Hicksville Schools in Ohio, about 30 miles from Trine’s Angola campus. Nominated by current Trine chemical engineering senior Taylor Early, Ferrell was recognized for his profound impact on inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM.  

Early credited Ferrell with fostering her passion for science and engineering from an early age, encouraging her participation in LEGO robotics, engineering camps and science fairs. His mentorship and guidance ultimately influenced her decision to study chemical engineering at Trine University.  

“His constant support and belief in me have played a huge role in getting me to where I am today,” said Early. 

Established in 2009 through an endowment from John J. McKetta Jr., a 1937 chemical engineering alumnus of Trine, these awards aim to bring prominent researchers and educators to campus while also recognizing high school teachers who inspire future engineers. McKetta, an influential figure in the field, served as an energy advisor to five U.S. presidents, authored over 400 papers, and contributed to 87 books. His legacy continues through these awards, which include an honorarium and celebratory dinner in the recipients’ honor. 

For more information on Trine University’s Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering program, visit trine.edu/che.