Sustaining a Culture of Excellence: Samson Jenekhe Endows Chair in CEMS

From his early days as a student in Nigeria to his graduate studies at the University of Minnesota, Samson A. Jenekhe has always viewed science as both a way of understanding the world and a means of making an impact. “I was always drawn to both science and philosophy—especially the philosophy of science,” he recalls. “Minnesota gave me the chance to explore those ideas in depth.”

His curiosity found a natural home in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS), where collaboration across disciplines was encouraged. “CEMS has always encouraged working across disciplines,” Jenekhe says. “That collaborative mindset shaped how I approach teaching and research.”

It was through this combination of rigorous study and collaborative exploration that Professor Jenekhe began to shape the trajectory of his future research and career.

A Passion for Polymers

The defining moment came during a course on polymer materials taught by Professor Matthew Tirrell. “That class had a major impact on me,” Jenekhe says. “I got so excited about polymers that I knew that was the direction I wanted to take.”

Encouraged by his professors, he began exploring how polymer science could connect to emerging technologies. While still finishing his doctorate, he took an internship at Honeywell, an experience that introduced him to industrial applications of polymers in semiconductor devices. By the time he completed his Ph.D. in 1985, Honeywell had offered him a full-time position.

“I was fortunate to move directly into research that built on what I’d learned at Minnesota,” he says. “It was a seamless transition from academic discovery to applied innovation.”

After several years in industry, Jenekhe turned to academia, joining the University of Rochester as a faculty member. There, he began exploring new uses for organic and polymer materials in electronic and energy-related applications.

“It was still a relatively new idea at the time,” he says. “But I saw how these materials could lead to advances in displays, solar cells, and sensors.”

In 2000, he joined the University of Washington, where he now holds appointments in both chemical engineering and chemistry. His work continues to focus on organic materials for advanced technologies, including solar cells made from carbon-based compounds that could one day offer low-cost, scalable energy solutions.

“The motivation has always been to make an impact,” he says. “Developing materials that address global challenges like energy and sustainability keeps me inspired.”

Giving Back to Where It All Began

For Professor Jenekhe, the University of Minnesota remains the place where his academic and professional trajectory took shape.

“I owe so much to my time at Minnesota,” he says. “It was where I learned how to think deeply and creatively about science.”

That gratitude recently led him to make a lasting contribution: establishing the Samson A. Jenekhe Endowed Chair in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

“After many years in academia, I’ve seen firsthand how endowed chairs and professorships strengthen departments,” he says. “They attract and retain exceptional faculty, which benefits students, research, and the broader community.”

Professor Jenekhe hopes his gift will help CEMS sustain the culture of excellence that influenced him as a student. “Private giving is essential,” he adds. “It’s how public universities continue to compete and lead at the highest level.”

For him, the measure of achievement goes beyond awards or publications, it lies in the success of those he has mentored. “What matters most is seeing my students thrive,” he says. “Their success is my greatest reward.”

He encourages students to pursue their interests even when the path is uncertain. “It’s okay to fail, as long as you stay focused and keep moving forward,” he says. “If you know your direction is right, success will come.”

In both his research and his generosity, Professor Samson Jenekhe continues to embody the collaborative and cross-disciplinary spirit that first drew him to CEMS. The endowed chair that he has established will help to foster that same environment of discovery and connection for generations to come.