Bruce Novak

Bruce Novak is the Francis S. and Maurine G. Johnson Chair and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), where he also served as Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics from 2011 to 2019. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology (1989), following BS (1983) and MS (1985) degrees from California State University, Northridge. His research focuses on polymer science, particularly macromolecular chirality, optical switches, and molecular machines. He has received prestigious awards including the Carl S. Marvel Creative Polymer Chemistry Award and the NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award.

Before joining UT Dallas, Novak was a Distinguished University Professor at North Carolina State University and held roles at the University of Massachusetts and UC Berkeley. He is passionate about teaching, having been named a “most-loved professor” at NC State. His research group develops novel polymers with applications in materials science and sensing technologies. Notably, he pioneered work on helical polycarbodiimides and their self-assembly behaviors.

Novak’s administrative leadership has emphasized interdisciplinary research and student mentorship. His recent publications (2015–2017) highlight advancements in fluorinated polybenzoxazines, helical polymer actuators, and VOC sensor materials. Beyond academia, he enjoys deep-water wreck diving.