Elliot Douglas
Serves as Chairman of PMSE Division of The American Chemical
Society
Elliot P. Douglas, one of our faculty members
comprising the Center for Macromolecular Science &
Engineering, is currently serving as the Chair of the
Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering
of the American Chemical Society. The division has a membership
of 6,000, representing professionals from academia and
industry from around the world. As Chair, Douglas has
spearheaded an effort to develop
a new strategic plan for the division.
This strategic plan aims to broaden the technical focus
of the division to emerging areas of polymeric materials
science and engineering, such as biomaterials, electronic
and optical materials, and materials for energy. Other aspects
of the plan call for an enhanced web presence for the division
and outreach to younger members, international members,
and professionals in other disciplines who do not typically
consider themselves materials scientists or chemists.
Douglas is currently an Associate Professor in the Department
of Materials Science and Engineering. Douglas’ involvement
in PMSE began in 2000 when he led the division effort to
transition the preprints from paper to CD. He has served
as Member-at-Large, Secretary, Vice-Chair, and Program Chair
for two national meetings.
Douglas’ research efforts within the MacroCenter are focused
in three areas. He is investigating the structure and assembly
of collagen for tissue engineering applications. In collaboration
with CMSE member Laurie Gower he has created the first artificial
bone composites that exactly mimic the nanostructure of
real bone. He is continuing this work by creating collagen
scaffolds with controlled structure to optimize mechanical
properties, as well as investigating the physical chemistry
aspects of collagen assembly. A second area of research
is in the area of epoxies for composite applications. Currently
he is working with faculty in the Department of Civil and
Coastal Engineering to investigate long-term durability
of composites being used for repair of concrete bridge beams.
He recently received an NSF grant to understand the fundamentals
of adhesion between epoxy and cement. His third research
area is in engineering education. He has conducted research
on critical thinking, showing that standard multiple choice
tests of critical thinking actually measure test-taking
skills more than actual critical thinking. He has recently
received an NSF grant to develop guided inquiry activities
for the Introduction to Materials course. He is also looking
at the application of qualitative research methods for understanding
engineering education.
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