Michael Kessler

Michael R. Kessler is currently the Louis M. Sardella Head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.12 Prior to this role, he served as the Dean of the College of Engineering at North Dakota State University from 2017 to 2023.1

Career Highlights

• Current Position: Head of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (since 2023)12
• Previous Position: Dean, College of Engineering, North Dakota State University (2017-2023)1
• Earlier Roles:
  • Berry Family Director and Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University1
  • Wilkinson Professor in Interdisciplinary Engineering, Iowa State University1

Research and Expertise

Professor Kessler is an expert in:

• Mechanics, processing, and characterization of polymer matrix composites and nanocomposites1
• Development of multifunctional materials1
• Polymer matrix composites for extreme environments1
• Bio-renewable polymers and composites1

He was also the founding co-director of the Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (CB2), an NSF Industry and University Cooperative Research Center.1

Achievements

• Authored over 260 peer-reviewed journal papers and conference proceedings1
• Holds 20 issued U.S. patents1
• Edited 14 books1
• Presented more than 200 talks at national and international meetings1
• Fellow of multiple prestigious organizations including the National Academy of Inventors and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)1

Education

Dr. Kessler received his Ph.D. in theoretical and applied mechanics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2002.1