Clemson names materials science and engineering chairman
Published: November 20, 2012
CLEMSON — Clemson University’s College of Engineering and Science has named Rajendra “Raj” Bordia chairman of the materials science and engineering department.
Bordia comes to Clemson from the University of Washington, where he has been since 1991. From 1998 to 2005, he was chairman of metallurgy and ceramics, which saw substantial growth in faculty research expenditures and in student enrollment and degrees awarded.
Bordia achieved the growth with a student-centered focus and cultivating a collaborative, interactive and nurturing environment that emphasized mentoring at all levels. He also enhanced diversity with outreach programs and international collaborations in research and education, and actively engaged alumni and industry partners in development efforts.
Bordia previously was a research scientist in the Central Research and Development Department of DuPont (1986-1991). He received his undergraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, in 1979 and his master’s (1981) and Ph.D. (1986) from Cornell University.
His research focuses on fundamental and applied studies in the processing and properties of complex material systems for energy, environment, health and high-temperature applications. He has authored or co-authored more than 115 peer-reviewed technical publications and presented more than 250 invited talks and seminars. He has been principal investigator or co-principal investigator for more than $17 million in external funding.
He has been visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Technology; the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, India; and the Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. He is an associate editor of the Journal of the American Ceramics Society, editor of the Journal of Ceramics Processing Research and editor-in-chief of the Ceramics International Journal.
He is a Fellow of the American Ceramic Society and the Indian Institute of Metals, and is an academician in the World Academy of Ceramics. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Humboldt Senior Scientist Research award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany, and the Outstanding Educator of the Year award of the American Ceramic Society.
“With Rajendra’s background and experience, his dedication to students and innovative nature, we’re excited to have him with us,” said R. Larry Dooley, interim dean of the College of Engineering and Science. “With his appointment, a new chapter is being written in the department of materials science and engineering; one of exciting new possibilities.”
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