Franklyn Strain Graduate Chemistry Scholarship

The endowed Dr. Franklin Strain Memorial Graduate Chemistry Scholarship was established by a gift from Dr. Franklin Strain. Dr. Strain received degrees at Ottawa University and the University of Kansas. He was director of research for the Barberton Laboratories of PPG Industries for 20 years. He was the coordinator of research for the Chemical Division of PPG Pittsburgh for three years, prior to retirement in 1973 with a total of 36 years of service.

Dr. Strain enjoyed a very successful career in chemical research, holding 147 patents (97 U.S. patents and 40 foreign patents). He had an inquisitive mind, an ability to think analytically, and a great fascination with organic chemistry. Dr. Strain invented the synthesis of plastic that revolutionized personal eyeglasses. The product, called CR39, has the optical qualities of glass, unmatched by any other resin. More than half of all prescription eyewear lenses sold in the United States today are cast from CR39 resin.

Dr. Strain served on the Advisory Committee of the Graduate School at The University Akron. He was concerned with recruiting and encouraging outstanding graduate students in chemistry. The Dr. Franklin Strain Memorial Graduate Chemistry Scholarship is to be awarded to an outstanding graduate chemistry student with a special interest in organic chemistry.