John Frederick MacGregor, P.Eng

John F. MacGregor, P.Eng., Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University has contributed significant new and useful applications of engineering statistics for monitoring, controlling and improving continuous and batch processes, by developing these ideas in industrial contexts and by creating structures and processes for technology transfer. For example, Shell Canada generates $1 to 2 million dollars of benefits a year in improved quality by using Dr. MacGregor's non-linear control strategies. His research is acknowledged in the international community to be cutting edge synthesis of statistics, process control and production processing. He is the leading contributor in using these techniques to control of chemical processes. He pioneered statistical quality control using CAA (Canonical Correlation Analysis), PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and PLS (Partial Least Squares) in the chemical engineering literature. His work on modelling and control of polymerization processes is being applied by such companies as Shell Canada, Suncor, Exxon, Procter & Gamble, Noranda and Rohm & Haas. Dr. MacGregor's teaching has provided a cadre of highly trained specialists needed to keep Ontario industry internationally competitive.