Howard P. Isermann
Introduction
Howard Isermann was a chemical engineering major and graduated with the class of 1942 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. After which he joined Van Dyk & Co.
Career and Research
During his tenure at Van Dyke & Co, he developed the ultraviolet absorber that has been the most effective and leading sunscreen worldwide. This led to not only the prevention of sunburn but also has contributed to significant progress in skin cancer prevention.
His research continued further as he became active in fragrance research organizations; he founded Novarome Inc. in 1980, a manufacturer of fragrance compounds used in soaps and perfumes.
RPI and Isermann
One of RPI's Department of Engineering was named after him as The Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering in 1989 for his commitment to Chemical Engineering at Rensselaer and as a chair of the Chemical Engineering Advisory Council and generous benefactor of fellowships and professorships.
He joined Rensselaer's board of trustees in 1986. He won the alums' Distinguished Service Award in 1994. Isermann was formally inducted into the Rensselaer Alumni Hall of Fame during a ceremony on campus on September 19th, 2003.
Present Day
After his passing in 2017, his family continued their altruism with the Isermann Family Foundation- a non-profit organization.
Resources
https://eng.rpi.edu/about/alumni-achievements/howard-p-isermann