7:52 a.m., Feb. 17, 2009----Arthur J. Coury, a 1962 University of Delaware graduate, majoring in chemistry, was one of 65 new members elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).

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This is among the highest professional distinctions in engineering and honors those who have made outstanding contribution to “engineering research, practice or education” and to the “pioneering of new and developing fields of technology.”

Coury's research focuses on polymeric biomaterials, including hydrogel-based devices and drug delivery systems, and he was cited by NAE for his contributions to the “design and commercialization of pacemakers, biodegradable biomaterials and implantable devices.”

John Burmeister, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and associate chairperson of UD's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said, “Dr. Coury's sterling career is illustrative of the great professional flexibility that the study of chemistry affords at all levels. I was delighted to discover upon meeting him in 2005 that his wonderful personal qualities measure up to his considerable scientific acumen. Our department is very proud to number him among our 3,000-plus alumni and has been very grateful for his support during the years.”

Coury received his doctorate in organic chemistry and MBA from the University of Minnesota, and during his career served as vice president for research and chief scientific officer of Focal Inc. He then moved to Genzyme Corp. and served as vice president for biomaterials research. After retiring, he has become a consultant.

Coury holds more than 50 patents and has published and presented widely in his field, and has taught at the University of Minnesota and the Harvard-MIT Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technology.

He has served as chairperson of the Minnesota Section of the American Chemical Society, and president of the Society for Biomaterials, USA and also of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. He is a member of several university, society and corporate advisory boards.

Most recently Coury received the 2007 Innovation and Development Award of the Society for Biomaterials and was named one of “100 Notable People in the Medical Device Industry” by MD&DI (Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry) magazine.

Coury has strong ties with the University of Delaware and was the invited graduation convocation speaker for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in 2005 and has been a generous supporter of the department.

Article by Sue Moncure