Regents Professor Timothy Lodge elected to National Academy of Engineering
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (2/29/2024) – Regents Professor Timothy Lodge has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Lodge is honored by NAE for “contributions to the understanding of the dynamic properties of multicomponent polymers and self-assembled structures.” Election to the Academy is among the highest professional distinctions granted to an engineer.
In his 41 years on the Department of Chemistry and Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science faculty, Lodge has become known as a distinguished expert in polymer science. He is currently the Prager Chair in Macromolecular Science in Chemistry. His research focuses on the molecular-level understanding of polymer structure and dynamics; his group is particularly interested in block polymers that assemble into predictable nanostructures, either in solutions like micelles, gels, or microemulsions or in bulk. Practical applications of this research include improved vehicles for drug delivery, membranes with high modulus and high mobility, dielectrics for plastic electronics, and materials that are biodegradable and environmentally benign. Lodge’s research has produced more than 500 papers.
Department Head Christy Haynes writes: “Tim Lodge has long been known as ‘the person who wrote the book’ on polymer chemistry. His innovative program focused on the synthesis and physical properties of block copolymers has been leading this important field for decades. He represents collaborative research excellence, and I am so pleased that he has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering in recognition of his many achievements.”
Lodge has received numerous awards over the course of his career including the Paul Flory Education Award from the American Chemical Society (2018), being named a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2016), the University of Minnesota Regents Professorship (2013), the Postbaccalaureate, Graduate, and Professional Education Award from UMN (2012), the ACS Award in Polymer Chemistry (2010), and the APS Award in Polymer Physics (2004). He served as Editor-in-Chief of the ACS journal Macromolecules from 2001–2017, and was the founding editor of ACS Macro Letters.
NAE membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to "engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature" and to "the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education." Lodge and the other 114 newly elected individuals will be formally inducted during the NAE's annual meeting on September 29th, 2024.
Professor and Director of the NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers Marc Hillmyer writes: "I am so pleased with the news of Tim’s election to the National Academy of Engineering. His combined contributions to polymer science, technology, and education over more than four decades have been truly remarkable. His efforts have had a tremendous positive impact on the global polymer science community without a doubt. This is especially true through the numerous leadership roles he has held over the years. On a more personal level, I am truly grateful for his deep scientific insights, thoughtful and sage advice, and invaluable mentorship for the past 25+ years here in the Department of Chemistry. This is a wonderful and well deserved honor for both Tim and the University of Minnesota."