The University of Missouri Rolla's UMR Coatings Institute recently honored James Stoffer with the UMR Coatings Institute Distinguished Scientist Award, given to individuals "who have benefited the coatings field through outstanding research, educational efforts and service." Stoffer is the third recipient of the award, which was presented by Michael Van De Mark, director of the UMR Coatings Institute and Industrial Paint & Powder columnist.

Stoffer, known nationally for his work in polymer and coatings chemistry, joined the faculty of the former Missouri School of Mines in 1963. He directed the UMR Paint Short Course Program from 1985 to 1987, and was director of the Materials Research Center from 1992 to 2001.

Stoffer became professor emeritus in 2000, but continued his research activities with graduate and postdoctorate students. His recent research has focused on finding a replacement for chrome in aircraft coatings. A nonchrome primer has been developed, licensed by Deft and is now commercially available for use by the Air Force, the university says.

Stoffer's notable technical contributions to industry include pioneering work on microemulsion polymerization and the development of ultrasonic initiation of polymerization; fiber-reinforced transparent composites; corrosion-resistant coatings for aluminum; an adhesion-measurement peel test for paint; corrosion-resistant brake cables; and urethane bushings for the trailer that carries the M-1 tank.