The Energy Institute has appointed Adam Matzger, professor of chemistry and macromolecular science and engineering, to be its first associate director for science and technology.
Matzger will be working to enhance the interdisciplinary energy science and technology activities across central and north campuses and help create what Energy Institute Director Dennis Assanis calls the “lab of the future” — shared space and equipment in a dynamic team working environment for U-M energy researchers.
Matzger, whose appointment begins Jan. 1, 2010, will coordinate energy institute cluster hire searches in energy science and technology areas, help engage faculty in energy activities and assist in the development and coordination of multi-disciplinary research efforts in energy. He also will serve as interim director of the Hydrogen Energy Technology Laboratory (HETL) during winter term while Professor Levi Thompson, HETL founding director, is on sabbatical.
Assanis said Matzger’s experience in all three components of academic life – research, education and service – made him a logical choice for the new role.
His research on crystallization in two and three dimensions, and synthesis and analysis of novel materials with emphasis on energy applications has long-range impact. His record includes more than 2,100 citations (average 30 citations per journal article), 20 invited lectures, eight patents or patents applications and numerous grants – several of which have been interdisciplinary.
Matzger is a teacher and research mentor to a large cohort of undergraduate and graduate students in organic chemistry and material chemistry. Assanis notes he has a strong record of service and citizenship. Among others, he is a member of the Chemistry Executive Committee, leading chemistry’s cluster hire efforts in energy conversion and storage and actively engaged in the planning for the next phase of the Phoenix Memorial Laboratory remodeling.
He joins Carl Simon, a professor in mathematics and the Ford School of Public Policy, who is the institute’s associate director for social science and public policy.
