The University of Akron's College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering will host a three-day celebration beginning Aug. 6 to recognize the 25th anniversary of its polymer engineering program. Events include:
- UA President Dr. Luis M. Proenza's featured "Science, Technology and Economics" presentation at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7 in the Student Union Theatre,
- a symposium by alumni,
- building tours and
- delivery of the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award, among other highlights.
See the full schedule of events.
Since 1983, when UA's Akron Polymer Engineering Center was established, and one year later, when its Department of Engineering was created, it has advanced as a preeminent education and research center for polymer engineering and technology relating to innovative and traditional polymer products and processes.
Comprehensive range of expertise
"Our distinctive polymer engineering discipline brings a synergy of the understanding, development and application of polymer systems, which cannot be achieved merely through basic interfacing of polymer science with classical engineering disciplines," says Dr. Stephen Cheng, dean of polymer science and polymer engineering. Cheng adds that faculty expertise covers a comprehensive range, from basic extrusion, compounding and molding processes to nanoscale structure, biopolymer engineering and multiscale modeling.
On a global scale, the department provides leadership technology to a broad base of commercially viable polymer-related materials, processes and products, Cheng says. Its academic and research functions, he points out, emphasize practical application of scientific and engineering principles to generate new materials and processing concepts to enhance polymer use and production.
Housed in the 32,000-square-foot Polymer Engineering Academic Center and 70,000-square-foot Olson Research Center, UA's polymer engineering program has a student body of about 100 and awards about 20 graduate and doctorate degrees combined each year.
Discussion of polymer engineering issues
"Our upcoming celebration will certainly underscore the achievements of our faculty and students and the university's leadership position in polymer engineering," says event chair Dr. Avraam Isayev, distinguished professor of polymer engineering. "In addition, during our alumni symposium, we will explore significant polymer engineering issues including electrospinning of polymers, innovation in manufacturing of thermoplastic elastomers, nonlinear optical polymeric materials, and devices for Navy applications and others. The celebration will culminate with a roundtable discussion on global competition where prominent leaders of rubber and plastic industries will provide opinions on the present state of globalization in polymer industries."
For a complete event schedule or more information about The University of Akron's polymer engineering program, visit www.poly-eng.uakron.edu.