By Jeremy Henderson
Maria L. Auad has been awarded the W. Allen and Martha Reed Endowed Professorship in Auburn University’s Department of Chemical Engineering, where she serves as director of the Center for Polymer and Advanced Composites.
A former interim chair of the former Department of Polymer and Fiber Engineering, Auad’s research interests include polymer materials science, polymer nanocomposites, flow behavior of polymers, rheology, control of microstructure and nanostructure in materials, polymers for structural and biomedical applications and shape memory polymers.
Auad received both her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering and material science from the University of Mar del Plata in Argentina. Her postdoctoral work in chemical engineering was completed at the California Institute of Technology. Auad’s professional affiliations include organizations such as the American Chemical Society, the Materials Research Society and the Society of Rheology.
“The College of Engineering must not only attract but retain the most exceptional engineering educators and researchers,” said Christopher B. Roberts, dean of engineering. “This endowment helps do exactly that. The Reeds’ continued support will help Maria’s exceptional work and research.”
Both graduates of Auburn, W. Allen Reed earned a degree in aviation management in 1970 and Martha Reed, a 1969 graduate, holds a bachelor’s in business administration. The couple supports endowed professorships in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, the College of Human Sciences and the Harbert College of Business.
“Endowed professorships are an effective means of attracting and retaining top faculty members to Auburn both now and in the future,” W. Allen Reed said.
Media Contact: Jeremy Henderson, jeremyhenderson@auburn.edu, 334-844-3591