Doreen Edwards

Doreen Edwards serves as Dean of the Kate Gleason College of Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), appointed in July 2016. Previously, she was Dean of Engineering and Acting Vice President for Statutory Affairs at Alfred University (2009-2016).

Education:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University (1997)
• B.S. in Chemistry, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (1985)

Research Focus: Her work centers on oxide materials for advanced energy systems, with significant contributions to fuel cell electrolytes, battery electrodes, and thermoelectric generators. She pioneered research on environmental remediation applications and solar energy conversion materials, emphasizing structure-property relationships in ceramics.

Publication Trends: Her recent work demonstrates a sustained focus on energy materials processing and defect engineering, particularly in electrochemical systems. The publications reveal expertise in nanoscale characterization and sintering techniques for next-generation energy storage and conversion devices.

Scientific Recognition:

• NSF CAREER award (2001)
• State University of New York Chancellor Award for Excellence in Teaching (2004)
• Fellow of the American Ceramic Society

Research Leadership: As principal investigator on multiple NSF-funded projects, she secured over $2M in research grants focusing on oxide ion conductors and nanomaterial synthesis. Her work has yielded 60+ publications and two U.S. patents in energy materials. She actively mentors junior faculty while leading RIT's semiconductor initiatives through the G7 partnership.

Professional Impact: Edwards chairs Incubator Works' board, driving tech commercialization in upstate New York. Her leadership in Women's History Month initiatives and profile in Successful Women Ceramic and Glass Scientists highlights her commitment to diversity in engineering education.