Who is Subi Suresh?
Subi Suresh is an Indian-American materials scientist and engineer who has made significant contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the areas of nanotechnology and biomaterials. She is currently the President of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, and has received numerous accolades for her research and leadership in academia.
Suresh was born in Kerala, India, and completed her undergraduate studies in metallurgical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Madras. She went on to earn a PhD in materials science and engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1991, where she worked under the guidance of Professor Subra Suresh, who later became her husband.
After completing her PhD, Suresh joined the faculty at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she spent over two decades conducting research and teaching. During her tenure at Maryland, she held several leadership positions, including the Director of the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), the Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and the Dean of the College of Engineering.
In 2018, Suresh was appointed as the President of WPI, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the institute’s 153-year history. As the President, Suresh has focused on expanding WPI’s global presence, promoting diversity and inclusion, and strengthening the institute’s research and innovation capabilities. She has also been actively involved in promoting STEM education and inspiring young women to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Suresh’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science, biology, and nanotechnology. Her work has focused on developing new materials and technologies for applications in areas such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and energy storage. One of her notable contributions is the development of a new class of materials called “nanocomposites,” which are made by combining nanoparticles with polymers or other materials. These nanocomposites have unique properties that make them useful in a variety of applications, such as improving the strength and durability of materials used in aircraft and other transportation systems.
Suresh has published over 200 research articles and has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the field of materials science. She is a fellow of several professional societies, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Materials Research Society (MRS), and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). She has also served on several advisory boards and committees, including the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Engineering Advisory Committee and the National Academy of Engineering’s Committee on Diversity in the Engineering Workforce.
In conclusion, Subi Suresh is a distinguished materials scientist and academic leader who has made significant contributions to the field of materials science and engineering. Her research has paved the way for new materials and technologies that have the potential to impact a wide range of applications, from medicine to transportation. As the President of WPI, Suresh continues to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists and engineers, and her leadership and vision are sure to have a lasting impact on the field of materials science and beyond.