Gary Wnek

Gary Wnek, PhD in Polymer Science and Engineering from University of Massachusetts (1980), is the Joseph F. Toot, Jr. Professor of Engineering and Chair of Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Case Western Reserve University since 2004. Previously faculty at MIT and RPI, and Founding Chair at Virginia Commonwealth University.

• Education: PhD Polymer Science & Engineering (UMass 1980), BS Chemical Engineering (WPI 1977)

Research spans polymer micro/nanofiber fabrication for biomedical applications, biofilm analysis as macromolecular 'macro-cells', microfluidic device development through 2D printing techniques, and flame-retardant polymer systems. His work connects synthetic macromolecular constructs with physiological mimicry.

Awards:

• Fellow, National Academy of Inventors (2024)
• John W. Hyatt Award for societal benefit (2007)

Patents (5 listed): High modulus polymer constructs (2024), Flow battery membranes (2022), Nanofiber scaffolds (2020), PAA-based hemostatic materials (2020), Protein crosslinking (2015). His 210+ publications and 38 patents demonstrate commercial and academic impact.