The promotion recognizes an individual's scientific contributions to more than one business sector, according to company statements. Rao's more than 50 patents in such areas of chemistry as formaldehyde, methyl isocyanate, tetrahydrofuran, and butanediol have advanced DuPont technologies in polymers, agrichemicals, and fluorochemicals. His work in the development of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) alternatives was particularly noted. CFCs have been implicated in the destruction of the Earth's protective ozone layer.
Rao also is recognized by his colleagues as a proponent at DuPont of staff diversity in the research environment, according to the company. Supporting diversity is a critical step in increasing corporate creativity and productivity, he contends.
"A diverse work force is a collection of unique people from all backgrounds," Rao says. "Everybody is different, their needs are different, but if we all work together, we can make things happen. If we learn to work together, that is the greatest asset a ...
