Dr. Joseph Genco
Professor of Chemical Engineering
Louis G. Calder Professor in Pulp and Paper Technology
Chemical Engineering

Dr. Joseph Genco has been responsible for teaching pulp and paper courses, in addition to many of the core chemical engineering courses as the Calder Professor. Many of his students are in the paper industry and have progressed very well. You can’t visit a pulp and paper mill or TAPPI conference without meeting “Genco” students, who are alumni of the Genco University of Pulp and Paper Industry, GUPPI for short.

Joe’s research deals primarily with the pulping, bleaching and papermaking. Just recently, he was selected as one of seven Technical Association of the Pulp & Paper Industry (TAPPI) members to be named a 2009 Fellow, which is an honorary title bestowed upon fewer than three percent of TAPPI's membership. He also received the 2007 Johan Richter Award from TAPPI. He holds three patents related to pulping. He is internationally recognized as a highly regarded industry thought leader.

Joe has made major contributions to the design, construction and development of the Chemical Engineering Pilot Plant. He provided critical leadership for the initial development of the facility as a teaching laboratory and its expansion to a research facility to provide technical service to the Pulp and Paper Industry. He used the funds generated from research contracts to modernize and upgrade the equipment helping the “Pilot Plant” evolve into the “Pulp and Paper Process Development Center” providing world-class research services. Joe’s achievements are a clear example of the three-fold mission of the University; teaching, research and service.

On a personal note, Joe has been a wonderful friend to many and, his perfectly crisp, slightly golden pizzelle waffle cookies are extraordinary!

Congratulations, Joe, and thank you for your 35 years of exemplary service to the University of Maine!