CEM Corporation is a private firm specializing in the design and development of laboratory systems that utilize microwave energy to drive reactions. The Company was founded in 1978 by two engineers, who have since retired, and a chemist, Michael J. Collins, who is the President and CEO of CEM.

Michael J. Collins, PhD is one of the original innovators to apply microwave energy to drive chemical processes. He not only helped lay the foundation for increasing the laboratory applications for microwave technology, but also provided momentum for the broad acceptance of its use in a number of disciplines from medicinal and organic chemistry to analytical applications and process control. Dr. Collins is a strong supporter of educational initiatives for the sciences and instituted the MJ Collins Award for Outstanding Young Innovator in Microwave Chemistry in order to encourage students in their pursuit of careers in science.

He received his PhD in Physical Chemistry conducting research in microwave spectroscopy at the University of Texas.

Dr. Collins has numerous publications and over 70 patents in the field of microwave technology. He has received many entrepreneurial awards and is a former director of ALSSA (Analytical and Life Science Systems Association). Over the past several years, Dr. Collins has frequently been invited to speak at life science conferences and meetings around the world. He was also a contributing author in both the ACS Professional Reference Book entitled, Introduction to Microwave Sample Preparation, Theory and Practice, and the first book written on microwave synthesis entitled, Microwave Synthesis: Chemistry at the Speed of Light.