Sol J. Lederman, BA ’38

Sol J. Lederman graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1938 with a BA in chemistry. His subsequent career spanned the heyday of the chemical technology industry in the Western New York Region. Credited with numerous patents, he played a leading role in developing new processes for production of phenol and bisphenol, important building blocks in resin and polycarbonate plastics. To this day Mr. Lederman’s pioneering contributions to the field continue to be cited by scientists developing new techniques, compounds and products. His professional legacies include the licensing of his work nationally and internationally as well as roles of increasing responsibility throughout his years of service at National Aniline, Hooker Electrochemical Company and Occidental Petroleum Corporation. He retired from the Niagara Falls division of Occidental Chemical in the early 1980’s having oversight for its environmental programs.

The fellowship was created by Dr. Frank and Daphna Lederman, friends of the University at Buffalo. Dr. Frank Lederman is Mr. Sol J. Lederman’s son.