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K-State Today

May 31, 2013

Adjunct chemist recognized by White House

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

On Wednesday, Olga Koper, a Kansas State University adjunct faculty member in the department of chemistry, was one of 11 people honored by the White House as an Immigrant Innovator Champions of Change.

The Washington, D.C., event highlighted immigrant innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world who are helping create jobs in America, grow the economy and increase innovation.

Koper was accompanied to the White House by Stefan Bossmann, professor of chemistry, who began collaborating with her in 2007.

Koper was born in Poland. She works in the business and open innovation group for Energy and Environment at Battelle Memorial Institute. The institute, based in Columbus, Ohio, is the largest nonprofit research organization in the world.

Koper's research focuses on using nanomaterials to improve the environment, energy and health. She has been awarded more than 30 U.S. and international patients for her findings.

She was recognized as one of seven Entrepreneurial Women to Watch by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2013, and was named Pipeline's Innovator of the Year in 2007.

Koper received her master's degree from the University of Silesia in Poland and her doctorate from Kansas State University.