Roseanna Zia

Associate Dean for Research, Wollersheim Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the University of Missouri

Roseanna N. Zia is an accomplished academic and researcher currently serving as the Associate Dean for Research and the Dave Wollersheim Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her appointment took effect on January 1, 2023, marking her return to Missouri, where she aims to lead innovative research initiatives within the College of Engineering, guided by the MizzouForward initiative.1 2

Education and Academic Background

Dr. Zia earned her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology, focusing on colloidal hydrodynamics under the mentorship of Professor John F. Brady. She furthered her studies with a postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University, collaborating with Professor William B. Russel on colloidal gels. Before her current role, she was a tenured professor in Chemical Engineering at Stanford University, where she also held a courtesy appointment in Mechanical Engineering.1 2

Research Interests

Dr. Zia's research encompasses computational modeling of complex fluids, biological cells, and soft matter. Her work aims to elucidate the connections between colloidal physics and biological processes, contributing significantly to the understanding of structure-property relationships in flowing suspensions and the mechanistic origins of colloidal glass transitions.1 2 She has developed micro-continuum theories and high-fidelity computational models that bridge physics and biology, particularly focusing on minimal biological cell models.1 2

Achievements and Recognition

Dr. Zia has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science and engineering, including:

Two Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Director of Research Early Career Award.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award.
The Publication Award from the Society of Rheology.

She has also been recognized as an Otterson Faculty Fellow at Stanford and serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Rheology while being involved with advisory boards for other prominent journals.1 2

Personal Connection

As a Missouri native and alumna (BS ME '95), Dr. Zia expressed her excitement about returning to Mizzou to contribute to its engineering community and advance its research mission.1

In summary, Roseanna N. Zia is a prominent figure in mechanical and aerospace engineering, whose extensive research and leadership roles reflect her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation in engineering disciplines.