LSU Chemistry Professor Named AAAS Fellow for Contributions to Polymer Science

John A. Pojman Sr., the William and Patricia Senn, Jr., Distinguished Professor and Chair of the LSU Department of Chemistry, has been elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The honor recognizes his contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly frontal polymerization, development of adhesives and coatings, cure-on-demand materials, and clock reactions.

Pojman joined the LSU Department of Chemistry as a professor specializing in macromolecular sciences in 2008. His research encompasses areas such as frontal polymerization, nonlinear phenomena in polymeric systems, cure-on-demand polymerization, and the materials of art. 

He is a co-inventor on five patents, with two recently awarded. In collaboration with scientists from the LSU AgCenter, Pojman developed a bait system aimed at reducing feral pig populations to protect crops, humans, and other wildlife. Additionally, he, along with former graduate student Dr. Anowar Khan and former LSU Chemical Engineering Associate Professor Adam Melvin, co-invented a patented method for generating realistic 3D tumor cultures and facilitating rapid on-chip drug testing.

Over his 35-year academic career, Pojman has established a successful research program and mentoring system. He has delivered over 326 scientific presentations, authored 188 peer-reviewed articles, contributed to 15 book chapters, and co-authored a monograph. His students have delivered 299 presentations. He actively oversees a laboratory with graduate students and provides research opportunities for undergraduates; since 1990, more than 195 undergraduate students have worked with him on various research projects.

Pojman is also the founder and self-proclaimed "3PCEO" of Pojman Polymer Products, LLC (3P). Under his leadership, the company has licensed several polymer-based products distributed internationally, catering to artists and DIY enthusiasts. These products, which stem from his work on frontal polymerization, offer "cure-on-demand" functionality for materials such as sculpting clay and wood filler.

Beyond his contributions to polymer science, Pojman also claims the largest collection of pocket protectors in the world. He is also an avid amateur herpetologist, studying the three-toed amphiuma native to Louisiana. 

In June 2025, Pojman will be honored at the AAAS Annual Fellows Forum in Washington, D.C., alongside other newly elected fellows, including LSU Chemistry Professor Les Butler. He joins an esteemed group of LSU Chemistry faculty members who have been recognized as AAAS Fellows over the past century.

LSU Chemistry's AAAS Fellows include: 

2024: Les Butler

2024: John A. Pojman

2022: Zakiya S. Wilson-Kennedy

2014: George Stanley

2010: Erwin Poliakoff

2010: Saundra McGuire

2010: Robin McCarley

2009: Barry Dellinger

2009: Steven Soper

2002: Isiah Warner

2001: Brian Hales

1980: Neil Kestner

1980: William Pryor

1971: Barbara Strawitz

1901: William Stubbs

For the complete list of the 2024 Fellows, visit the AAAS Fellows webpage.