David A. Rockstraw (BS '86), a Distinguished Achievement Professor, was named Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU), where he been a faculty member since 1995. Prior to joining NMSU, Dr. Rockstraw spent more than eight years in industry with E.I. DuPont de Nemours Co., Conoco Corp., Ethyl Corp., and Kraft, Inc.  At NMSU, he has developed a research program as diverse as his industrial background, focused in the areas of materials, separations, and reaction kinetics. He was recently recognized by NMSU as a Distinguished Achievement Professor and in January 2012 he received the College of Engineering Foreman Faculty Excellence Award.