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A new MTI Fellow walked among the members during the AmeriTAC 145 and Annual Meeting, October 21-23, 2024, in Tulsa, OK, until finally, the honor was bestowed at the 2024 MTI Awards Banquet the evening of October 23. Heather Allain, MTI Executive Director, provided some facts about the service, leadership and dedication of the Fellow and asked those in attendance to stand as they realized who this person was. Finally, Allain, announced Maria Jose Oestergaard (Topsoe) as the 21st MTI Fellow and first woman in MTI recognized with this honor. A highlight video of Oestergaard's character, leadership, vision, and accomplishments over the years was played before presenting the award. Congratulations on this well deserved top honor, Maria Jose!

Letter of Appreciation, from Maria Jose Landeira Oestergaard

Dear Members of the Materials Technology Institute:

I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the MTI Fellow award, the highest recognition from our esteemed organization. This honor is not just mine, but one that reflects the shared efforts, collaboration, and trust that have allowed us to achieve so much together.

Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to learn from the many inspiring leaders who have come before me, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from so many of you. Serving as Chair of the Board of Directors from 2016 to– 2019 was both a privilege and a responsibility I have embraced, knowing I stood on the shoulders of those who paved the way. I appreciate your trust in my leadership as we worked together to shape our organization’s strategic direction.

Together, we have navigated significant challenges and seized key opportunities, always with a focus on innovating and developing materials technology solutions that enhance safety, sustainability, reliability, and profitability within the process industry. We have also prioritized providing our members with rapid access to reliable, actionable knowledge. This has been a collective effort, and I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished. 

To be the first woman becoming an MTI fellow and recognized a “glass-ceiling breaker” is both a celebration of our progress and a reminder of the work ahead. I am deeply grateful for your support as we inspire, mentor and prepare the next generation for the many challenges ahead.

This award belongs to all of us as we advance toward an even brighter future for the Materials Technology Institute.

Thank you again for this incredible honor and for your unwavering support.