DATE: April 16, 2008
CONTACT:
Esin Gulari, (864) 656-3202
egulari@clemson.edu
WRITER:
Susan Polowczuk, (864) 656-2063
spolowc@clemson.edu
School of Materials Science and Engineering director recognized
CLEMSON — Kathleen Richardson, director of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Clemson University, has received a rare double honor.
She has been elected to the grade of Fellow of the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). SPIE Fellows are recognized for their achievements and for making outstanding contributions in the field of optics, electro-optics or related scientific, technical or engineering areas. SPIE is an international society representing 138 countries advancing an interdisciplinary approach to the science and application of light.
Richardson was recognized for making important technical contributions to the field of optical materials science and engineering, in particular to understanding the properties and performance of infrared glass and other optical materials. She is recognized for her efforts in ion-exchange strengthened laser glass, infrared glass material development and photo-induced structural modification of amorphous materials. She also was commended for her longstanding contributions to optical science and engineering education, especially for her efforts with K-12, and undergraduate student research.
An active member of SPIE, Richardson is also a Fellow of the American Ceramic Society and a Fellow of the Society of Glass Technology.
Richardson also has received the Scholes Award and recently presented the annual Samuel R. Scholes Award Lecture at her alma mater Alfred University. The lecture is given each year by a distinguished glass scientist or engineer invited for his or her contributions to the field. Prior award winners span the international glass community and are among past and present leaders in the field.
“These are two very prestigious awards for Dr. Richardson, and they underscore the strength and depth of the School of Materials Science and Engineering here at Clemson,” said College of Engineering and Science Dean Esin Gulari.
Richardson joined Clemson in 2005 from the University of Central Florida’s College of Optics and Photonics. She graduated from Alfred University with a bachelor of science degree in ceramic engineering in 1982, a master of science degree in glass science in 1988 and a Ph.D. in ceramics in 1992.
For more than 100 years, the disciplines of engineering, science and textiles have been at the heart of Clemson University as it strives toward excellence and leadership. Today, Clemson is a nationally recognized research university where approximately 5,500 students are enrolled in engineering and science undergraduate and graduate courses. There are 350 faculty members in the College of Engineering and Science. Go to http://www.ces.clemson.edu/ for more information.