Purdue announces new head of the Department of Chemistry
04-30-2024
Jianguo Mei, Richard and Judith Wien Professor of Chemistry, will take on the role of head of the Department of Chemistry, effective July 1, 2024.
Purdue University College of Science named Professor Jianguo Mei as head of the Department of Chemistry
After a competitive search, Purdue University has announced Jianguo Mei, Richard and Judith Wien Professor of Chemistry, will take on the role of head of the Department of Chemistry, effective July 1, 2024. Mei joined Purdue University as an assistant professor in 2014 and was promoted to full professor in 2023.
“I am very excited to announce Professor Jianguo Mei as our new department head in chemistry,” said Lucy Flesch, Fredrick L. Hovde Dean in the College of Science.
“His comprehensive expertise in inorganic and polymer synthesis, organic semiconductors and electronics, machine-learning and automation, as well as entrepreneurship complement our ongoing endeavors,” said Flesch.
She added, “Moreover, his forward-thinking vision for educational and departmental initiatives is in line with our strategic goals for advancing chemistry at Purdue.”
As the new head, Mei will oversee a diverse community of 56 faculty members and one of the largest chemistry departments in the nation with 448 undergraduate and 445 graduate students.
“As department head, my goal is to elevate Purdue Chemistry to even greater heights in chemical education and innovation. We will build on our existing strengths and seize exciting new opportunities,” said Mei.
He added, “I aim to foster a supportive and competitive environment that promotes success at all levels. Together with our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends, we will strive for excellence on a grand scale, preparing our students for the future and advancing the frontiers of chemical innovation.”
Mei received his PhD in organic chemistry from University of Florida in 2010 and completed his postdoc at Stanford University in 2014. His research interests lie in design and synthesis of organic semiconductors and conductors for printed electronics. Through molecular design, Mei and his research group tailor optical, electronic, and mechanical properties for unmet needs. They strive to couple fundamental science with technology innovation to find materials and devices that can provide solutions for big societal challenges, such as energy, sustainability, and human health.
Mei added, “Purdue Chemistry is internationally acclaimed for its excellence in chemical education and innovation, boasting two Nobel Laureates in Organic Chemistry, a top-ranked analytical chemistry program, and a highly successful drug discovery initiative that has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties. As the newly appointed Department Head of Chemistry, I am deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve this great community.”
About the College of Science
Purdue University’s College of Science is committed to the persistent pursuit of the mathematical and scientific knowledge that forms the very foundation of innovation. More than 350 tenure-track faculty conduct world-changing research and deliver a transformative education to more than 6,000 undergraduates and 1,750 graduate students. See how we develop practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges with degree programs in the life sciences, physical sciences, computational sciences, mathematics, and data science at www.purdue.edu/science.
Writer: Emily Kinsell, emily@purdue.edu
Sources: Lucy Flesch, lmflesch@purdue.edu
Jianguo Mei, jgmei@purdue.edu