Michael Hickner is creating new materials at Michigan State University to improve energy and water technologies.
As the Craig A. Rogerson Endowed Professor in Chemical Engineering, he uses polymer science and materials to solve engineering problems by applying the tools of chemistry and chemical engineering.
“We’re interested in lots of different applications that used functional materials, such as advanced batteries and water purification,” he said. “We perform experiments and use data science techniques to predict new molecules that have high ionic conductivity. These new ionic materials can be used in a wide range of energy and water technologies.”
Hickner’s research group also works on new methods for 3D printing and creating hard ceramic materials from soft polymers. He is currently collaborating on a $4.5 million multi-university grant on high-performance ceramic 3D printing for hypersonic aerospace and defense applications. “Our collaborative work is bringing new polymers into this area of high-temperature materials,” Hickner said.
Advancing student success
Hickner’s greatest sense of pride at MSU is fostering "a dynamic learning environment that prepares the next generation of groundbreakers, problem solvers and innovators.”
The Craig A. Rogerson Endowed Professorship in Chemical Engineering contributes to that in meaningful ways through the support of student wages and the purchase of necessary equipment and chemical supplies.
“Our most important outcome is helping students graduate and find a spot in the workforce, be it industry or academic work,” Hickner said. “We’ve had success in terms of publications and disseminating information, but student learning and student graduation are what we are aiming for.”
Rogerson said MSU equips Spartans with the resources, experiences and knowledge to address the world’s challenges.
“The engineering curriculum at MSU develops that problem solving capability necessary for success in whatever discipline a graduate may decide to pursue,” he said. “I am proud to support, in some small way, Dr. Hickner’s work in helping students make their mark.”
Rogerson, of Sarasota, Florida, is the retired chairman and chief executive officer of Hexion Inc. and previously served as chairman, president and CEO of Chemtura Corp. He is regarded as an expert in the specialty chemicals and materials space.
A 1979 MSU graduate in chemical engineering, Rogerson serves on the MSU College of Engineering Alumni Board and the MSU Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Advisory Board. He received the Red Cedar Circle Alumni Award in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science in 2015.
“Craig Rogerson has done Michigan State an important service through his support of the College of Engineering. Faculty and student success are the hallmark of a great institution, and Craig is furthering that with his gift,” Hickner added.
This story originally appeared on the College of Engineering site.
