Brendan Abolins

Brendan Abolins is currently the External Innovation Manager at Eastman Chemical Company, a role he has held since February 2020. He is also recognized as a Computational Chemist and has been involved in various capacities within the company since April 2017, progressing from Senior Chemist to his current managerial position.14

In his role as External Innovation Manager, Abolins focuses on fostering collaborations with academic institutions and other partners to drive innovation in materials science and chemical engineering. This includes coordinating research initiatives related to advanced materials and sustainability, particularly through partnerships with the University of Tennessee.12 His work aims to leverage university expertise to enhance Eastman's research capabilities and align them with industry needs, thereby facilitating practical applications of scientific advancements.1

Abolins has a background in chemistry and has contributed to research that emphasizes quantitative structure-property relationships in materials, which has garnered attention in the scientific community.5 His involvement in programs like Innovation Crossroads, a public-private partnership aimed at catalyzing advanced manufacturing technologies, further showcases his commitment to bridging the gap between research and commercial application.23

Overall, Brendan Abolins plays a significant role in advancing Eastman's innovation strategy by integrating academic insights into corporate practices, thereby enhancing both educational outcomes for students and practical solutions for industry challenges.