Perry L. McCarty (October 29, 1931 – June 4, 2023) was an American scientist and professor of environmental engineering. He is best known for his contributions to the environmental engineering profession through education, research, and service to government and industry.

Perry L. McCarty
Born(1931-10-29)October 29, 1931
DiedJune 4, 2023(2023-06-04) (aged 91)
Alma materWayne State University
MIT
Scientific career
FieldsEnvironmental engineering
InstitutionsStanford University
Academic advisorsRoss E. McKinney
Notable studentsBruce Rittmann
Websiteprofiles.stanford.edu/perry-mccarty

Biography

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McCarty earned his B.S. in civil engineering from Wayne State University. He completed his M.S. in sanitary engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1957 and his Sc.D. from MIT in 1959. From 1962, he was a member of the faculty of Stanford University, where he held the Silas H. Palmer Professorship of civil engineering.[1]

McCarty was a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Academy of Microbiology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Water Environment Federation. He was a lifetime honorary member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Water Works Association, the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors, and the Water Environment Federation.[1]

McCarty was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 1977 for contributions to the environmental engineering profession through education, research, and service to government and industry.[2] In 1992, he received the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement,[3] in 1997 he received the Athalie Richardson Irvine Clarke Prize for outstanding achievements in water science and technology,[4] and in 2007, he received the Stockholm Water Prize citing, "his [McCarty's] pioneering work in developing the scientific approach for the design and operation of water and wastewater systems."[5] In August, 2016, Stanford named him an "engineering hero".[6]

McCarty died in Stanford, California on June 4, 2023, at the age of 91.[7][8]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Profile of Perry McCarty". Stanford University. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
  2. ^ "Biographies of Members". National Academy of Engineers. 1977-01-01. Retrieved 2016-07-07.
  3. ^ "People: Two Leaders In Environmental Sciences Are Awarded USC's $150,000 Tyler Prize". The Scientist. 1992-06-08. Retrieved 2016-07-07.
  4. ^ "McCarty wins major water research prize". Stanford University. 1997-05-07. Retrieved 2016-07-07.
  5. ^ "Professor Wins Prize for Water Treatment Tech". Associated Press/NBC News. 2007-03-22. Retrieved 2016-07-07.
  6. ^ Tom Abate (August 4, 2016). "Three innovators are named Stanford Engineering Heroes". Stanford Engineering News. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  7. ^ "In Memoriam: McCarty, Perry". American Society for Microbiology. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  8. ^ "Perry McCarty, environmental engineer who launched field of environmental biotechnology, has died". Stanford University. 3 July 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.