James R. Engstrom

James R. Engstrom is a Professor at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell University and a member of the Graduate Field of Chemistry and Chemical Biology since 2002. His career spans academic research and industrial innovation, notably serving as Vice President at Symyx Technologies (1998–2001).

Education

• B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota (1981)
• Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology (1986)

Research Interests

Engstrom specializes in gas-surface dynamics, atomic layer deposition, and in-situ monitoring of thin films, with applications in nanoscale electronics, organic thin film electronics, and advanced materials processing. His work integrates chemical engineering principles with cutting-edge techniques like X-ray synchrotron radiation and low-energy ion scattering.

Scientific Awards

• NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award (1991)
• Lilly Endowment Teaching Fellowship (1995)
• College of Engineering Teaching Awards (1995, 2003)
• Fellow of the American Vacuum Society (2005)

Teaching Contributions

He teaches core courses like Process Dynamics and Control and elective courses such as Microchemical and Microfluidic Systems, with enduring impact through materials on chemical reaction kinetics and research ethics.