James H. Edgar

James H. Edgar is a University Distinguished Professor and holds the Tom H. Barrett University Faculty Chair in Chemical Engineering at Kansas State University (K-State). He leads the Department of Chemical Engineering, having served as department head from 2009 to 2022. His academic journey includes a B.S. (1981) from the University of Kansas and a Ph.D. (1987) from the University of Florida, both in chemical engineering.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1987
  • M.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1982
  • B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Kansas, 1981

His research focuses on semiconductor processing, particularly wide band gap materials like III nitrides (e.g., gallium nitride), silicon carbide, and boron compounds. Applications include UV light emitters, energy-efficient power electronics, and nanophotonics. He has authored over 230 journal articles, edited books, and holds an h-index of 47. His work has been funded by the NSF, DOE, ONR, and others, totaling over $10M. He has advised 22 Ph.D. and 17 M.S. students.

• Awards:
  • Kansas State University Distinguished Professor (2013)
  • Tom H. Barrett University Faculty Chair

Professional highlights include roles as an NSF Electronic and Photonic Materials Program Manager (2019–2022), NASA Lewis Research Center fellow, and guest lecturer at Radboud University (Netherlands). His research has driven transformative advancements in semiconductor technologies.