Olester Benson

Dr. Olester Benson Jr is a graduate of the University of Colorado Denver, B.A. Chemistry, and the University of Colorado Boulder, M.S., Ph.D. Physical Organic Chemistry.

Dr. Benson is a Corporate Scientist (retired) from the 3M Corporate Research Process Laboratory.  Dr. Benson spent his career leading research efforts developing environmentally friendly manufacturing process technologies using 3M’s precision engineering infrastructure and high-energy radiation. He applied these technologies to create a broad portfolio of products in the medical, personal safety, traffic safety, renewable energy, aerospace, home improvement, surface finishing, semiconductor processing, and electronic display industries. He has received 89 issued United States patents.

Dr. Benson was inducted into the 3M Carlton Society, which honors the highest technical achievements in the company. Dr. Benson is a recipient of the Percy L. Julian Award from the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCCHE), the University of Colorado George S. Norlin Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. Dr. Benson is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Dr. Benson is a retired United States Army Master Sergeant having served 24 years (11 years Active duty, 13 years Active Reserve). He was trained as an infantryman, medical specialist, and pharmacy specialist. He held numerous leadership assignments in the continental United States, Western Europe, and Central America. As a member of a regional US Army Reserve Forces School, he served both as an instructor and training director responsible for the advanced leadership development training of US Army Reserve and National Guard noncommissioned officers in the state of Minnesota.