Stacy G. Birmingham

Stacy G. Birmingham serves as Professor and James F. Will Professor of Engineering at Saint Vincent College, chairing the engineering programs within the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing since joining in 2018. Her distinguished career includes 15 years at the University of Michigan with tenured positions in Chemical Engineering and Macromolecular Science & Engineering departments, followed by 13 years as Dean of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics at Grove City College where she doubled STEM offerings.

Her academic foundation stems entirely from Carnegie Mellon University:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering
• MS in Chemical Engineering
• BS in Chemical Engineering (specializing in colloids, polymers, and surfaces)

Dr. Birmingham's research program bridges environmental science and materials engineering, with primary focus on microplastics in the environment and complex fluids & materials processing. Her work integrates chemical engineering fundamentals with pressing ecological challenges, particularly examining polymer degradation pathways and non-Newtonian fluid behavior in natural systems. This dual focus reflects her expertise in both environmental sustainability and advanced materials science.

Her publication record demonstrates consistent contributions across technical engineering domains and STEM equity research. Recent works include foundational fluid mechanics scholarship alongside critical analyses of gender dynamics in academic careers, revealing her commitment to both disciplinary advancement and inclusive academic culture.

Her exceptional contributions have earned prestigious recognition:

• Presidential Young Investigator Award from the National Science Foundation
• 38E Award for Teaching and Service from the University of Michigan

As an academic leader, Dr. Birmingham has directed major research initiatives including the Center for Advanced Polymer Engineering Research at Michigan and pioneered STEM program expansion at Grove City College. Her 2013 work on research development at PUIs highlights her strategic approach to integrating undergraduate research with teaching excellence, establishing frameworks for sustainable scholarly activity at teaching-focused institutions.