DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE REQUIREMENTSCurrently, to achieve the Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, a student must complete:

» 96 credits in polymer engineering, including: n 12 credits of polymer engineering core courses

n 9 credits of polymer engineering 600-level electives

n 10 credits of polymer engineering 700-level electives

n 3 credits of math

n 2 credits of technical electives (credits may be taken from polymer engineering, polymer science, engineering, science, or math)

n 60 credits of preliminary research and doctoral dissertation (12 credits or more must be of doctoral dissertation)

» Ph.D. qualifying examinations in four subject areas: n Fundamentals of Polymer Structure Characterization

n Rheology of Polymeric Fluids

n Polymer Chemistry and Thermodynamics

n Introduction to Polymer Engineering

» A language requirement » An oral presentation of research proposal » A written dissertation » An oral defense of the dissertation

MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Currently, to achieve the M.S. in Polymer Engineering, a student must successfully complete:

» 30 credits in polymer engineering, including: n 12 credits of polymer engineering core courses

n 6 credits of polymer engineering 600-level electives

n 6 credits of technical electives

n 6 or more credits of research

» A written thesis » An oral defense of the thesis

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After Graduation Polymer engineering students enjoy a high job placement rate after receiving their degree. Graduates go on to successful and lucrative careers in private industry, government and academia. Here is a sampling of the employers of UA polymer engineering alumni:

n 3M n Abbott Vascular n AkzoNobel n Apple Inc. n Avery Dennison n BASF n Boeing n Bridgestone/Firestone n Callaway Golf n ConocoPhillips n Corning n Dow Chemical n DuPont n Eastman Chemical n ExxonMobil n General Electric n Goodyear Tire & Rubber n Halliburton n Honda n Honeywell n Hyundai n Intel n Iowa State University n John Deere n Johnson & Johnson n Kellogg’s

n Kimberly-Clark n Lexmark n LG Chemical n Lubrizol n LyondellBasell n NASA n PepsiCo n Pirelli n PolyOne n PPG Industries n Procter & Gamble n Rayovac n Renssalaer Polytechnic n SABIC Innovative Plastics n Saint-Gobain n Samsung n Schlumberger n Shell Oil Company n St. Jude Medical n Teknor Apex n University of Georgia n U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory

n U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Life in Akron With a population of nearly 200,000, Akron is Ohio’s fifth-largest city. It offers a vibrant downtown, serene parks, shopping, events and venues that appeal to almost every interest. Its regional location and easy access to air and highway travel puts you at the hub of a world of experiences and opportunities.

n Akron Art Museum n Akron Marathon n Akron Symphony n Blossom Music Center n Cedar Point Amusement Park n Cleveland and Akron Zoos n Cuyahoga Valley National Park n Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad n Lake Erie and Great Lakes Region n Local Sports: Aeros, Racers, All-American

Soap Box Derby

n National First Ladies’ Library n Professional Sports: Cleveland Browns,

Cavaliers & Indians n Stan Hywett Hall & Gardens n William McKinley Presidential Library &

Museum

About The University of Akron The University of Akron offers more than 300 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and law degree programs – with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. With nearly 30,000 students and $65 million in research expenditures, UA is among the nation’s strongest public universities focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in community and economic growth.

Programs are targeted to diverse groups of learners, including full-time, part-time and on-line students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom. The distinctive Akron Experience enhances post-graduate success through internships and co-ops, academic research (both undergraduate and graduate), study abroad, on-campus student employment, and service projects.

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution © 2013 by The University of Akron / PS-0713-32153

GRADUATE PROGRAM

POLYMERENGINEERING

Dr. Robert A. Weiss – Department Chair and Hezzleton E. Simmons Professor

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 1976

phone: 330-972-2581 e-mail: rweiss@uakron.edu

Property-structure relationships of multiphase polymers; shape memory and self-healing materials; hydrogels; films with controlled surface morphology; biomass-derived functional polymers; rheology.

Dr. Mukerrem Cakmak – Distinguished Professor, Harold A. Morton Professor, and Director-University of Akron site, Center for Multifunctional Polymer Nanomaterials and Devices

Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, University of Tennessee, 1984

phone: 330-972-6928 e-mail: cakmak1@uakron.edu

Developing precision manufacturing platforms such as hybrid solution casting/electrospinning process to produce functional polymers, including electrically conductive transparent films and flexible photovoltaics; field assisted “Z” alignment of particles and phases in roll to roll manufacturing; identification, modeling and simulation of complex structural mechanisms.

Dr. Kevin Cavicchi – Associate Professor Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2003 phone: 330-972-8368 e-mail: kac58@uakron.edu

Structure-property relationships of nanostructured soft materials; thermodynamics of small molecule organogelators,

synthesis and characterization of side-chain crystalline polymers, and the synthesis and characterization of supramolecular polymers through ionic interactions including block copolymers, ionically crosslinked elastomers, and polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes.

Dr. Xiong Gong – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Physics, Nankai University, China, 1997 phone: 330-972-4983 e-mail: xgong@uakron.edu

Semiconducting polymer physics and chemistry, inorganic quantum dots and nanostructured materials;

solution processable semiconductor devices based on semiconducting polymeric materials as well as organic/inorganic nanostructures, including devices such as photovoltaic cells, light emitting diodes, thin film transistors, and biochips.

Dr. Hendrik Heinz – Associate Professor Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Switzerland, 2003

phone: 330-972-7467 e-mail: hh29@uakron.edu

Computer simulation of inorganic-(bio)organic interfaces and biomineralization; development of force fields for the quantitative prediction of interfacial properties; hierarchical simulation of solar cells and conductive composite materials; structure-property relationships in nanocomposites.

Dr. Avraam I. Isayev – Distinguished Professor Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 1970

phone: 330-972-6673 e-mail: aisayev@uakron.edu

Polymer composites and nanocomposites processing and properties, process modeling, rheo-optics, rheology, constitutive equations; injection, co-injection, transfer, compression and gas-assisted injection molding; self-reinforced composites of flexible and thermotropic LCP blends; ultrasonic dispersion of nanostructures in polymers, decrosslinking of thermosets, devulcanization of rubbers.

Dr. Sadhan C. Jana – Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University, 1993 phone: 330-972-8293 e-mail: janas@uakron.edu

Scalable production of novel nanofibers by gas jet method; shape memory polymers; polymer nanocomposites;

netshape,multi-functional aerogels from silica, syndiotactic polystyrene, graphene, and polyimide; biofilms; nanoparticles from bioresources with promising tribological properties.

Dr. Alamgir Karim – Associate Dean for Research, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Professor

Ph.D. in Physics, Northwestern University, 1991 phone: 330-972-8324 e-mail: alamgir@uakron.edu

Thermodynamics and kinetics of surface and interfacial phenomena associated with multicomponent polymer thin films, hybrid nanoparticles systems and three-dimensional polymeric systems; stability of polymer films, polymer blend phase separation, ordering of block copolymers, nanoparticle effects and biological scaffolds; engineering solutions to photovoltaics, energy storage devices and tissue engineering.

Dr. Thein Kyu – Distinguished Professor Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Kyoto University, Japan, 1980 phone: 330-972-6672 e-mail: tkyu@uakron.edu

Phase equilibria and kinetics of phase separation in polymer blends; phase transitions in crystalline and liquid crystalline

polymers; flexible and stretchable lithium ion polymer batteries; ion-exchange membranes; pattern formation dynamics and electro-optical properties of dispersed liquid crystal and photonic crystals and nonlinear dynamics of crystal motion.

Dr. Arkadii I. Leonov – Professor of Polymer Engineering and Professor of Applied Mathematics

Ph.D. in Theoretical Mechanics, Institute of Problems in Mechanics, USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 1962;

Ph.D. (Doctor of Science, Habilitation) in Mathematical Physics, Karpov’s Physico-Chemical Research Institute,

Moscow, 1969 phone: 330-972-5138 e-mail: leonov@uakron.edu

Thermodynamic modeling, mathematical analysis and basic experiments for polymer melts, filled polymers and disperse systems, nematic LC, LCP and LC elastomers; melt fracture phenomena; chemorheology and chemo-processing of polymers; physics and mechanics of polymer solids; Brownian motion of particles in polymer fluids; variational analysis of inelastic continua.

Dr. Younjin Min – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2009 phone: 330-972-5167 e-mail: ymin@uakron.edu

Surface and interfacial science; intermolecular interactions and friction phenomena at the molecular level,

adhesion, (bio) lubrication and wear; thin film fabrication; biophysics, thermodynamics, kinetics and physiology of disease; bio-inspired synthetic route and biomaterials, regenerative medicine and vaccination; biomechanics.

Dr. Erol Sancaktar – Professor of Polymer Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1979

phone: 330-972-5508 e-mail: erol@uakron.edu

Mechanical behavior of adhesives, adhesive joints, polymers and composites; material characterization; viscoelasticity; fracture mechanics; experimental and theoretical solid mechanics; design and manufacture with novel materials; optimization of adhesive-substrate interphases; excimer laser applications; electrically conductive adhesives and polymers; adhesion and polymer welding.

Dr. David Simmons – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 2009 phone: 330-972-6675 e-mail: dsimmon@uakron.edu

Computationally-driven rational design of polymers, glasses, and soft matter; theory and simulation of polymers

and glass-forming liquids; dynamics of soft materials at interfaces and under nanoconfinement; structure and dynamics of polymers for use in photovoltaics.

Dr. Mark D. Soucek – Professor of Polymer Engineering and Professor of Chemistry

Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, 1990

phone: 330-972-2583 e-mail: msoucek@uakron.edu

Coatings technology in high solids, waterborne, UV-curable and powder coatings; environmentally benign coatings; nanophase inorganic/organic coatings; study of crosslinking processes; self-stratifying coatings; corrosion resistant coatings; anti-reflective coatings; magnetic initiators for cure on demand.

Dr. Bryan Vogt – Associate Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2003 Phone: 330-972-8608 e-mail: vogt@uakron.edu

Polymer-templated porous materials; physicochemical properties of polymer thin films; hybrid inorganic-organic

devices; processing-based engineering for organic electronics; mesoporous carbons.

Dr. Nicole Zacharia – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007 Phone: 330-972-8248 e-mail:

Polyelectrolyte complexes and multilayer films; responsive soft materials; porous media; surface properties;

colloidal nanomotors.

Department of Polymer Engineering Faculty

Located in Akron, Ohio — a world-renowned center for polymer research and development — our facilities span three buildings on the UA campus: the Polymer Engineering Academic Center, which provides space for classrooms and faculty and student offices; the Sidney L. Olson Research Center, which houses all the department’s laboratory and research facilities; and the National Polymer Innovation Center, where new knowledge and materials are developed for solving problems of national interest to health, energy and the environment.

We invite you to consider the benefits of studying at The University of Akron in the heart of the polymer industry. Should you have any questions or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to serving your academic needs in the future!

The Department of Polymer Engineering at The University of Akron offers both master’s and doctorate degrees in polymer engineering and seeks to provide students with a high-quality educational experience in the engineering and science of polymers. Students are taught the skills of research by regular full-time professors in both classroom and laboratory environments. Students represent the United States and numerous foreign countries, and graduates of the department have gone on to successful careers in private industry, government and academia.

Welcome to the Department of Polymer Engineering

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS Students seeking admission into the Ph.D. program in the Department of Polymer Engineering are required to submit all of the materials listed below directly to The University of Akron Graduate School for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered under any circumstances.

1. Fully completed Graduate Application

2. Application Fee

3. ALL official undergraduate transcripts and, if applicable, graduate transcripts

4. Three (3) letters of professional recommendation

5. Statement of purpose (personal statement)

6. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores

7. All international students must submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (minimum 550 paper-based; 213 computer-based; or 79 internet-based)

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement: 2.75 or higher overall on a 4.00 scale OR 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale for work completed in the last two years.

APPLY ONLINE Please apply online at: www.uakron.edu/gradsch. Please note that ALL application materials, forms, reference letters and scores must be submitted to The University of Akron Graduate School. Applications for admission into the polymer engineering program are processed throughout the year for fall semester admission; however, priority consideration is given to those students whose files are completed by Jan. 15 each year.

FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION The Department of Polymer Engineering supports all incoming qualified, full-time doctoral students. Funds for assistantship support are available from several principal sources including: The University of Akron Graduate School; externally funded research activities such as grants or contracts obtained by faculty members; and financial gifts from companies, private donors, or government and public foundations that allow for student fellowships, scholarships, or other awards.

Dr. Robert A. Weiss – Department Chair and Hezzleton E. Simmons Professor

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 1976

phone: 330-972-2581 e-mail: rweiss@uakron.edu

Property-structure relationships of multiphase polymers; shape memory and self-healing materials; hydrogels; films with controlled surface morphology; biomass-derived functional polymers; rheology.

Dr. Mukerrem Cakmak – Distinguished Professor, Harold A. Morton Professor, and Director-University of Akron site, Center for Multifunctional Polymer Nanomaterials and Devices

Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, University of Tennessee, 1984

phone: 330-972-6928 e-mail: cakmak1@uakron.edu

Developing precision manufacturing platforms such as hybrid solution casting/electrospinning process to produce functional polymers, including electrically conductive transparent films and flexible photovoltaics; field assisted “Z” alignment of particles and phases in roll to roll manufacturing; identification, modeling and simulation of complex structural mechanisms.

Dr. Kevin Cavicchi – Associate Professor Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2003 phone: 330-972-8368 e-mail: kac58@uakron.edu

Structure-property relationships of nanostructured soft materials; thermodynamics of small molecule organogelators,

synthesis and characterization of side-chain crystalline polymers, and the synthesis and characterization of supramolecular polymers through ionic interactions including block copolymers, ionically crosslinked elastomers, and polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes.

Dr. Xiong Gong – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Physics, Nankai University, China, 1997 phone: 330-972-4983 e-mail: xgong@uakron.edu

Semiconducting polymer physics and chemistry, inorganic quantum dots and nanostructured materials;

solution processable semiconductor devices based on semiconducting polymeric materials as well as organic/inorganic nanostructures, including devices such as photovoltaic cells, light emitting diodes, thin film transistors, and biochips.

Dr. Hendrik Heinz – Associate Professor Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Switzerland, 2003

phone: 330-972-7467 e-mail: hh29@uakron.edu

Computer simulation of inorganic-(bio)organic interfaces and biomineralization; development of force fields for the quantitative prediction of interfacial properties; hierarchical simulation of solar cells and conductive composite materials; structure-property relationships in nanocomposites.

Dr. Avraam I. Isayev – Distinguished Professor Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 1970

phone: 330-972-6673 e-mail: aisayev@uakron.edu

Polymer composites and nanocomposites processing and properties, process modeling, rheo-optics, rheology, constitutive equations; injection, co-injection, transfer, compression and gas-assisted injection molding; self-reinforced composites of flexible and thermotropic LCP blends; ultrasonic dispersion of nanostructures in polymers, decrosslinking of thermosets, devulcanization of rubbers.

Dr. Sadhan C. Jana – Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University, 1993 phone: 330-972-8293 e-mail: janas@uakron.edu

Scalable production of novel nanofibers by gas jet method; shape memory polymers; polymer nanocomposites;

netshape,multi-functional aerogels from silica, syndiotactic polystyrene, graphene, and polyimide; biofilms; nanoparticles from bioresources with promising tribological properties.

Dr. Alamgir Karim – Associate Dean for Research, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Professor

Ph.D. in Physics, Northwestern University, 1991 phone: 330-972-8324 e-mail: alamgir@uakron.edu

Thermodynamics and kinetics of surface and interfacial phenomena associated with multicomponent polymer thin films, hybrid nanoparticles systems and three-dimensional polymeric systems; stability of polymer films, polymer blend phase separation, ordering of block copolymers, nanoparticle effects and biological scaffolds; engineering solutions to photovoltaics, energy storage devices and tissue engineering.

Dr. Thein Kyu – Distinguished Professor Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Kyoto University, Japan, 1980 phone: 330-972-6672 e-mail: tkyu@uakron.edu

Phase equilibria and kinetics of phase separation in polymer blends; phase transitions in crystalline and liquid crystalline

polymers; flexible and stretchable lithium ion polymer batteries; ion-exchange membranes; pattern formation dynamics and electro-optical properties of dispersed liquid crystal and photonic crystals and nonlinear dynamics of crystal motion.

Dr. Arkadii I. Leonov – Professor of Polymer Engineering and Professor of Applied Mathematics

Ph.D. in Theoretical Mechanics, Institute of Problems in Mechanics, USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 1962;

Ph.D. (Doctor of Science, Habilitation) in Mathematical Physics, Karpov’s Physico-Chemical Research Institute,

Moscow, 1969 phone: 330-972-5138 e-mail: leonov@uakron.edu

Thermodynamic modeling, mathematical analysis and basic experiments for polymer melts, filled polymers and disperse systems, nematic LC, LCP and LC elastomers; melt fracture phenomena; chemorheology and chemo-processing of polymers; physics and mechanics of polymer solids; Brownian motion of particles in polymer fluids; variational analysis of inelastic continua.

Dr. Younjin Min – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2009 phone: 330-972-5167 e-mail: ymin@uakron.edu

Surface and interfacial science; intermolecular interactions and friction phenomena at the molecular level,

adhesion, (bio) lubrication and wear; thin film fabrication; biophysics, thermodynamics, kinetics and physiology of disease; bio-inspired synthetic route and biomaterials, regenerative medicine and vaccination; biomechanics.

Dr. Erol Sancaktar – Professor of Polymer Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1979

phone: 330-972-5508 e-mail: erol@uakron.edu

Mechanical behavior of adhesives, adhesive joints, polymers and composites; material characterization; viscoelasticity; fracture mechanics; experimental and theoretical solid mechanics; design and manufacture with novel materials; optimization of adhesive-substrate interphases; excimer laser applications; electrically conductive adhesives and polymers; adhesion and polymer welding.

Dr. David Simmons – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 2009 phone: 330-972-6675 e-mail: dsimmon@uakron.edu

Computationally-driven rational design of polymers, glasses, and soft matter; theory and simulation of polymers

and glass-forming liquids; dynamics of soft materials at interfaces and under nanoconfinement; structure and dynamics of polymers for use in photovoltaics.

Dr. Mark D. Soucek – Professor of Polymer Engineering and Professor of Chemistry

Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, 1990

phone: 330-972-2583 e-mail: msoucek@uakron.edu

Coatings technology in high solids, waterborne, UV-curable and powder coatings; environmentally benign coatings; nanophase inorganic/organic coatings; study of crosslinking processes; self-stratifying coatings; corrosion resistant coatings; anti-reflective coatings; magnetic initiators for cure on demand.

Dr. Bryan Vogt – Associate Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2003 Phone: 330-972-8608 e-mail: vogt@uakron.edu

Polymer-templated porous materials; physicochemical properties of polymer thin films; hybrid inorganic-organic

devices; processing-based engineering for organic electronics; mesoporous carbons.

Dr. Nicole Zacharia – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007 Phone: 330-972-8248 e-mail:

Polyelectrolyte complexes and multilayer films; responsive soft materials; porous media; surface properties;

colloidal nanomotors.

Department of Polymer Engineering Faculty

Located in Akron, Ohio — a world-renowned center for polymer research and development — our facilities span three buildings on the UA campus: the Polymer Engineering Academic Center, which provides space for classrooms and faculty and student offices; the Sidney L. Olson Research Center, which houses all the department’s laboratory and research facilities; and the National Polymer Innovation Center, where new knowledge and materials are developed for solving problems of national interest to health, energy and the environment.

We invite you to consider the benefits of studying at The University of Akron in the heart of the polymer industry. Should you have any questions or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to serving your academic needs in the future!

The Department of Polymer Engineering at The University of Akron offers both master’s and doctorate degrees in polymer engineering and seeks to provide students with a high-quality educational experience in the engineering and science of polymers. Students are taught the skills of research by regular full-time professors in both classroom and laboratory environments. Students represent the United States and numerous foreign countries, and graduates of the department have gone on to successful careers in private industry, government and academia.

Welcome to the Department of Polymer Engineering

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS Students seeking admission into the Ph.D. program in the Department of Polymer Engineering are required to submit all of the materials listed below directly to The University of Akron Graduate School for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered under any circumstances.

1. Fully completed Graduate Application

2. Application Fee

3. ALL official undergraduate transcripts and, if applicable, graduate transcripts

4. Three (3) letters of professional recommendation

5. Statement of purpose (personal statement)

6. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores

7. All international students must submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (minimum 550 paper-based; 213 computer-based; or 79 internet-based)

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement: 2.75 or higher overall on a 4.00 scale OR 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale for work completed in the last two years.

APPLY ONLINE Please apply online at: www.uakron.edu/gradsch. Please note that ALL application materials, forms, reference letters and scores must be submitted to The University of Akron Graduate School. Applications for admission into the polymer engineering program are processed throughout the year for fall semester admission; however, priority consideration is given to those students whose files are completed by Jan. 15 each year.

FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION The Department of Polymer Engineering supports all incoming qualified, full-time doctoral students. Funds for assistantship support are available from several principal sources including: The University of Akron Graduate School; externally funded research activities such as grants or contracts obtained by faculty members; and financial gifts from companies, private donors, or government and public foundations that allow for student fellowships, scholarships, or other awards.

Dr. Robert A. Weiss – Department Chair and Hezzleton E. Simmons Professor

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 1976

phone: 330-972-2581 e-mail: rweiss@uakron.edu

Property-structure relationships of multiphase polymers; shape memory and self-healing materials; hydrogels; films with controlled surface morphology; biomass-derived functional polymers; rheology.

Dr. Mukerrem Cakmak – Distinguished Professor, Harold A. Morton Professor, and Director-University of Akron site, Center for Multifunctional Polymer Nanomaterials and Devices

Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, University of Tennessee, 1984

phone: 330-972-6928 e-mail: cakmak1@uakron.edu

Developing precision manufacturing platforms such as hybrid solution casting/electrospinning process to produce functional polymers, including electrically conductive transparent films and flexible photovoltaics; field assisted “Z” alignment of particles and phases in roll to roll manufacturing; identification, modeling and simulation of complex structural mechanisms.

Dr. Kevin Cavicchi – Associate Professor Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2003 phone: 330-972-8368 e-mail: kac58@uakron.edu

Structure-property relationships of nanostructured soft materials; thermodynamics of small molecule organogelators,

synthesis and characterization of side-chain crystalline polymers, and the synthesis and characterization of supramolecular polymers through ionic interactions including block copolymers, ionically crosslinked elastomers, and polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes.

Dr. Xiong Gong – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Physics, Nankai University, China, 1997 phone: 330-972-4983 e-mail: xgong@uakron.edu

Semiconducting polymer physics and chemistry, inorganic quantum dots and nanostructured materials;

solution processable semiconductor devices based on semiconducting polymeric materials as well as organic/inorganic nanostructures, including devices such as photovoltaic cells, light emitting diodes, thin film transistors, and biochips.

Dr. Hendrik Heinz – Associate Professor Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Switzerland, 2003

phone: 330-972-7467 e-mail: hh29@uakron.edu

Computer simulation of inorganic-(bio)organic interfaces and biomineralization; development of force fields for the quantitative prediction of interfacial properties; hierarchical simulation of solar cells and conductive composite materials; structure-property relationships in nanocomposites.

Dr. Avraam I. Isayev – Distinguished Professor Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 1970

phone: 330-972-6673 e-mail: aisayev@uakron.edu

Polymer composites and nanocomposites processing and properties, process modeling, rheo-optics, rheology, constitutive equations; injection, co-injection, transfer, compression and gas-assisted injection molding; self-reinforced composites of flexible and thermotropic LCP blends; ultrasonic dispersion of nanostructures in polymers, decrosslinking of thermosets, devulcanization of rubbers.

Dr. Sadhan C. Jana – Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University, 1993 phone: 330-972-8293 e-mail: janas@uakron.edu

Scalable production of novel nanofibers by gas jet method; shape memory polymers; polymer nanocomposites;

netshape,multi-functional aerogels from silica, syndiotactic polystyrene, graphene, and polyimide; biofilms; nanoparticles from bioresources with promising tribological properties.

Dr. Alamgir Karim – Associate Dean for Research, College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Professor

Ph.D. in Physics, Northwestern University, 1991 phone: 330-972-8324 e-mail: alamgir@uakron.edu

Thermodynamics and kinetics of surface and interfacial phenomena associated with multicomponent polymer thin films, hybrid nanoparticles systems and three-dimensional polymeric systems; stability of polymer films, polymer blend phase separation, ordering of block copolymers, nanoparticle effects and biological scaffolds; engineering solutions to photovoltaics, energy storage devices and tissue engineering.

Dr. Thein Kyu – Distinguished Professor Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Kyoto University, Japan, 1980 phone: 330-972-6672 e-mail: tkyu@uakron.edu

Phase equilibria and kinetics of phase separation in polymer blends; phase transitions in crystalline and liquid crystalline

polymers; flexible and stretchable lithium ion polymer batteries; ion-exchange membranes; pattern formation dynamics and electro-optical properties of dispersed liquid crystal and photonic crystals and nonlinear dynamics of crystal motion.

Dr. Arkadii I. Leonov – Professor of Polymer Engineering and Professor of Applied Mathematics

Ph.D. in Theoretical Mechanics, Institute of Problems in Mechanics, USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 1962;

Ph.D. (Doctor of Science, Habilitation) in Mathematical Physics, Karpov’s Physico-Chemical Research Institute,

Moscow, 1969 phone: 330-972-5138 e-mail: leonov@uakron.edu

Thermodynamic modeling, mathematical analysis and basic experiments for polymer melts, filled polymers and disperse systems, nematic LC, LCP and LC elastomers; melt fracture phenomena; chemorheology and chemo-processing of polymers; physics and mechanics of polymer solids; Brownian motion of particles in polymer fluids; variational analysis of inelastic continua.

Dr. Younjin Min – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2009 phone: 330-972-5167 e-mail: ymin@uakron.edu

Surface and interfacial science; intermolecular interactions and friction phenomena at the molecular level,

adhesion, (bio) lubrication and wear; thin film fabrication; biophysics, thermodynamics, kinetics and physiology of disease; bio-inspired synthetic route and biomaterials, regenerative medicine and vaccination; biomechanics.

Dr. Erol Sancaktar – Professor of Polymer Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1979

phone: 330-972-5508 e-mail: erol@uakron.edu

Mechanical behavior of adhesives, adhesive joints, polymers and composites; material characterization; viscoelasticity; fracture mechanics; experimental and theoretical solid mechanics; design and manufacture with novel materials; optimization of adhesive-substrate interphases; excimer laser applications; electrically conductive adhesives and polymers; adhesion and polymer welding.

Dr. David Simmons – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 2009 phone: 330-972-6675 e-mail: dsimmon@uakron.edu

Computationally-driven rational design of polymers, glasses, and soft matter; theory and simulation of polymers

and glass-forming liquids; dynamics of soft materials at interfaces and under nanoconfinement; structure and dynamics of polymers for use in photovoltaics.

Dr. Mark D. Soucek – Professor of Polymer Engineering and Professor of Chemistry

Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, 1990

phone: 330-972-2583 e-mail: msoucek@uakron.edu

Coatings technology in high solids, waterborne, UV-curable and powder coatings; environmentally benign coatings; nanophase inorganic/organic coatings; study of crosslinking processes; self-stratifying coatings; corrosion resistant coatings; anti-reflective coatings; magnetic initiators for cure on demand.

Dr. Bryan Vogt – Associate Professor Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2003 Phone: 330-972-8608 e-mail: vogt@uakron.edu

Polymer-templated porous materials; physicochemical properties of polymer thin films; hybrid inorganic-organic

devices; processing-based engineering for organic electronics; mesoporous carbons.

Dr. Nicole Zacharia – Assistant Professor Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007 Phone: 330-972-8248 e-mail:

Polyelectrolyte complexes and multilayer films; responsive soft materials; porous media; surface properties;

colloidal nanomotors.

Department of Polymer Engineering Faculty

Located in Akron, Ohio — a world-renowned center for polymer research and development — our facilities span three buildings on the UA campus: the Polymer Engineering Academic Center, which provides space for classrooms and faculty and student offices; the Sidney L. Olson Research Center, which houses all the department’s laboratory and research facilities; and the National Polymer Innovation Center, where new knowledge and materials are developed for solving problems of national interest to health, energy and the environment.

We invite you to consider the benefits of studying at The University of Akron in the heart of the polymer industry. Should you have any questions or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to serving your academic needs in the future!

The Department of Polymer Engineering at The University of Akron offers both master’s and doctorate degrees in polymer engineering and seeks to provide students with a high-quality educational experience in the engineering and science of polymers. Students are taught the skills of research by regular full-time professors in both classroom and laboratory environments. Students represent the United States and numerous foreign countries, and graduates of the department have gone on to successful careers in private industry, government and academia.

Welcome to the Department of Polymer Engineering

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS Students seeking admission into the Ph.D. program in the Department of Polymer Engineering are required to submit all of the materials listed below directly to The University of Akron Graduate School for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered under any circumstances.

1. Fully completed Graduate Application

2. Application Fee

3. ALL official undergraduate transcripts and, if applicable, graduate transcripts

4. Three (3) letters of professional recommendation

5. Statement of purpose (personal statement)

6. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores

7. All international students must submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (minimum 550 paper-based; 213 computer-based; or 79 internet-based)

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement: 2.75 or higher overall on a 4.00 scale OR 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale for work completed in the last two years.

APPLY ONLINE Please apply online at: www.uakron.edu/gradsch. Please note that ALL application materials, forms, reference letters and scores must be submitted to The University of Akron Graduate School. Applications for admission into the polymer engineering program are processed throughout the year for fall semester admission; however, priority consideration is given to those students whose files are completed by Jan. 15 each year.

FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION The Department of Polymer Engineering supports all incoming qualified, full-time doctoral students. Funds for assistantship support are available from several principal sources including: The University of Akron Graduate School; externally funded research activities such as grants or contracts obtained by faculty members; and financial gifts from companies, private donors, or government and public foundations that allow for student fellowships, scholarships, or other awards.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE REQUIREMENTSCurrently, to achieve the Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, a student must complete:

» 96 credits in polymer engineering, including: n 12 credits of polymer engineering core courses

n 9 credits of polymer engineering 600-level electives

n 10 credits of polymer engineering 700-level electives

n 3 credits of math

n 2 credits of technical electives (credits may be taken from polymer engineering, polymer science, engineering, science, or math)

n 60 credits of preliminary research and doctoral dissertation (12 credits or more must be of doctoral dissertation)

» Ph.D. qualifying examinations in four subject areas: n Fundamentals of Polymer Structure Characterization

n Rheology of Polymeric Fluids

n Polymer Chemistry and Thermodynamics

n Introduction to Polymer Engineering

» A language requirement » An oral presentation of research proposal » A written dissertation » An oral defense of the dissertation

MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Currently, to achieve the M.S. in Polymer Engineering, a student must successfully complete:

» 30 credits in polymer engineering, including: n 12 credits of polymer engineering core courses

n 6 credits of polymer engineering 600-level electives

n 6 credits of technical electives

n 6 or more credits of research

» A written thesis » An oral defense of the thesis

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After Graduation Polymer engineering students enjoy a high job placement rate after receiving their degree. Graduates go on to successful and lucrative careers in private industry, government and academia. Here is a sampling of the employers of UA polymer engineering alumni:

n 3M n Abbott Vascular n AkzoNobel n Apple Inc. n Avery Dennison n BASF n Boeing n Bridgestone/Firestone n Callaway Golf n ConocoPhillips n Corning n Dow Chemical n DuPont n Eastman Chemical n ExxonMobil n General Electric n Goodyear Tire & Rubber n Halliburton n Honda n Honeywell n Hyundai n Intel n Iowa State University n John Deere n Johnson & Johnson n Kellogg’s

n Kimberly-Clark n Lexmark n LG Chemical n Lubrizol n LyondellBasell n NASA n PepsiCo n Pirelli n PolyOne n PPG Industries n Procter & Gamble n Rayovac n Renssalaer Polytechnic n SABIC Innovative Plastics n Saint-Gobain n Samsung n Schlumberger n Shell Oil Company n St. Jude Medical n Teknor Apex n University of Georgia n U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory

n U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Life in Akron With a population of nearly 200,000, Akron is Ohio’s fifth-largest city. It offers a vibrant downtown, serene parks, shopping, events and venues that appeal to almost every interest. Its regional location and easy access to air and highway travel puts you at the hub of a world of experiences and opportunities.

n Akron Art Museum n Akron Marathon n Akron Symphony n Blossom Music Center n Cedar Point Amusement Park n Cleveland and Akron Zoos n Cuyahoga Valley National Park n Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad n Lake Erie and Great Lakes Region n Local Sports: Aeros, Racers, All-American

Soap Box Derby

n National First Ladies’ Library n Professional Sports: Cleveland Browns,

Cavaliers & Indians n Stan Hywett Hall & Gardens n William McKinley Presidential Library &

Museum

About The University of Akron The University of Akron offers more than 300 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and law degree programs – with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. With nearly 30,000 students and $65 million in research expenditures, UA is among the nation’s strongest public universities focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in community and economic growth.

Programs are targeted to diverse groups of learners, including full-time, part-time and on-line students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom. The distinctive Akron Experience enhances post-graduate success through internships and co-ops, academic research (both undergraduate and graduate), study abroad, on-campus student employment, and service projects.

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution © 2013 by The University of Akron / PS-0713-32153

GRADUATE PROGRAM

POLYMERENGINEERING

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE REQUIREMENTSCurrently, to achieve the Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, a student must complete:

» 96 credits in polymer engineering, including: n 12 credits of polymer engineering core courses

n 9 credits of polymer engineering 600-level electives

n 10 credits of polymer engineering 700-level electives

n 3 credits of math

n 2 credits of technical electives (credits may be taken from polymer engineering, polymer science, engineering, science, or math)

n 60 credits of preliminary research and doctoral dissertation (12 credits or more must be of doctoral dissertation)

» Ph.D. qualifying examinations in four subject areas: n Fundamentals of Polymer Structure Characterization

n Rheology of Polymeric Fluids

n Polymer Chemistry and Thermodynamics

n Introduction to Polymer Engineering

» A language requirement » An oral presentation of research proposal » A written dissertation » An oral defense of the dissertation

MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Currently, to achieve the M.S. in Polymer Engineering, a student must successfully complete:

» 30 credits in polymer engineering, including: n 12 credits of polymer engineering core courses

n 6 credits of polymer engineering 600-level electives

n 6 credits of technical electives

n 6 or more credits of research

» A written thesis » An oral defense of the thesis

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After Graduation Polymer engineering students enjoy a high job placement rate after receiving their degree. Graduates go on to successful and lucrative careers in private industry, government and academia. Here is a sampling of the employers of UA polymer engineering alumni:

n 3M n Abbott Vascular n AkzoNobel n Apple Inc. n Avery Dennison n BASF n Boeing n Bridgestone/Firestone n Callaway Golf n ConocoPhillips n Corning n Dow Chemical n DuPont n Eastman Chemical n ExxonMobil n General Electric n Goodyear Tire & Rubber n Halliburton n Honda n Honeywell n Hyundai n Intel n Iowa State University n John Deere n Johnson & Johnson n Kellogg’s

n Kimberly-Clark n Lexmark n LG Chemical n Lubrizol n LyondellBasell n NASA n PepsiCo n Pirelli n PolyOne n PPG Industries n Procter & Gamble n Rayovac n Renssalaer Polytechnic n SABIC Innovative Plastics n Saint-Gobain n Samsung n Schlumberger n Shell Oil Company n St. Jude Medical n Teknor Apex n University of Georgia n U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory

n U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Life in Akron With a population of nearly 200,000, Akron is Ohio’s fifth-largest city. It offers a vibrant downtown, serene parks, shopping, events and venues that appeal to almost every interest. Its regional location and easy access to air and highway travel puts you at the hub of a world of experiences and opportunities.

n Akron Art Museum n Akron Marathon n Akron Symphony n Blossom Music Center n Cedar Point Amusement Park n Cleveland and Akron Zoos n Cuyahoga Valley National Park n Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad n Lake Erie and Great Lakes Region n Local Sports: Aeros, Racers, All-American

Soap Box Derby

n National First Ladies’ Library n Professional Sports: Cleveland Browns,

Cavaliers & Indians n Stan Hywett Hall & Gardens n William McKinley Presidential Library &

Museum

About The University of Akron The University of Akron offers more than 300 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and law degree programs – with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. With nearly 30,000 students and $65 million in research expenditures, UA is among the nation’s strongest public universities focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in community and economic growth.

Programs are targeted to diverse groups of learners, including full-time, part-time and on-line students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom. The distinctive Akron Experience enhances post-graduate success through internships and co-ops, academic research (both undergraduate and graduate), study abroad, on-campus student employment, and service projects.

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution © 2013 by The University of Akron / PS-0713-32153

GRADUATE PROGRAM

POLYMERENGINEERING