Reza Abbaschian

Reza Abbaschian is a Distinguished Professor and Winston Chung Endowed Professor in Sustainability at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). He serves as Director of the Winston Chung Global Energy Center and previously held the role of Dean of the Bourns College of Engineering (2005–2016), during which the college rose to national prominence. He also held the William R. Johnson, Jr. Professorship until 2017.

His academic journey includes a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from UC Berkeley, an MS in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, and a BSc in Mining and Metallurgy from Tehran University. His research focuses on materials processing, composites, and diamond synthesis, leading to innovations like man-made diamonds commercialized by Gemesis Diamond Company. He holds five patents and eight patent disclosures.

Dr. Abbaschian has received numerous accolades, including the AIME Honorary Membership (awarded to only 0.1% of its membership), TMS Educator Award, and ASM’s Albert Sauveur Achievement Award. He is a Fellow of ASM International, TMS, and AAAS.

Under his leadership as Dean, the BCOE expanded to 125 faculty, 2,400 undergraduates, 750 graduate students, and $40M annual research expenditures, offering nine degrees and an online Master’s program.