Professor Leighton to lead NSF-sponsored Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC)
Leighton brings wealth of experience and an international reputation
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (10/17/2022)—University of Minnesota Twin Cities Professor Chris Leighton has been appointed by College of Science and Engineering Dean Andrew Alleyne as the new director of the National Science Foundation-sponsored Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC). The four-year appointment that runs through September 2026 was approved by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Leighton, a Distinguished McKnight University Professor and Distinguished University Teaching Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, replaces Professor Timothy Lodge who has served as MRSEC director since late 2005.
“Professor Leighton is ideally positioned for the role of MRSEC director,” Lodge said. “He has played a major role in the MRSEC for many years and has led our world-renowned Interdisciplinary Research Group (IRG) on Ionic Control of Materials for almost a decade. He brings a wealth of experience in the field and has a well-deserved international reputation for the creativity and vision of his research program.”