Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science names Robert Moore interim associate director of research
The Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science has appointed Robert Moore as the interim associate director for research.
Moore will serve as chief technical officer and advisor to the Institute’s director, Roop Mahajan, and will share with him responsibilities for technical administration, setting strategic directions and allocating resources on behalf of the Institute.
Moore also will continue as a full professor in the Department of Chemistry and the Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, where he is an active researcher in the area of ion-containing polymers for energy and materials applications. He also serves Virginia Tech as affiliate professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
Moore’s specific research interests are in the control of morphology-property relationships in proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems, tailored actuation behavior in nano-structured artificial muscles, and the use of small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering methods for the characterization of morphology and dynamics in ion-containing polymers and polymer-based nanocomposites.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Bob to the institute,” said Mahajan. “Bob will play a key role in leading and managing the institute, including the very important role of nurturing the collaborative culture through team leadership. The unique combination of a rigorous research program, strong interests in collaborative research, and a desire to share the joy of research while contributing to a student’s professional growth and career interests are a perfect fit for our institute and our long term strategy for research growth at Virginia Tech.”
“I am excited about the opportunity to have an important and lasting impact on the future directions of this interdisciplinary organization, while also contributing to the immediate needs of the institute, particularly with respect to facilitating collaborative and transformative interactions among our brightest researchers,” Moore said.
Moore earned a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Texas A&M University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in physical polymer chemistry at McGill University of Quebec, Canada. Prior to joining the Virginia Tech faculty, he served for 17 years as a professor of polymer science and engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a fellow of the American Chemical Society Division of Polymer Chemistry, and currently holds the elected position of 2010 chairman-elect.
Moore's appointment fills a vacancy created when the institute's first associate director for research, Chris Cornelius, accepted an appointment as associate professor at the University of Connecticut beginning with the fall semester 2010.
