Timothy D. Sands

Timothy D. Sands is the 16th president of Virginia Tech and a professor in the College of Engineering. He leads Virginia Tech's strategic vision focused on global distinction in research and education, including initiatives like the Innovation Campus in Washington, D.C., and expanding health sciences through partnerships like the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Sands' research spans microelectronics, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology, with over 250 publications and 21 patents. He chairs the NCAA Division I Board of Directors and holds leadership roles in the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and Atlantic Coast Conference.

Education: B.S. (highest honors) in Engineering Physics, M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science from UC Berkeley. Prior roles include Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at Purdue University, and director of the Birck Nanotechnology Center. His honors include the Edward Bouchet Legacy Award and National GEM Consortium’s Academic Leadership Award.

Research emphasizes nanocomposite materials for energy-efficient applications, such as solid-state lighting and thermoelectrics. Sands has pioneered superlattice metamaterials and advanced semiconductor technologies. He advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration and university-industry partnerships to address global challenges.