Internationally Renowned Scientist Hawker to present Bayer Lecture Oct. 19

An internationally recognized expert in polymer nanotechnology and former researcher with IBM's Almaden Research Center will give a lecture at the University of Southern Mississippi Tuesday, Oct. 19.

Dr Craig Hawker, director of the Materials Research Laboratory and professor at the University of California-Santa Barbara will present “A Few Good Reactions - Functionalized Nanostructures Based on Efficient Chemistry” at 1:30 p.m. in the Shelby F. Thames Polymer Science Research Center auditorium.

His scheduled presentation is part of the ninth annual Bayer Distinguished Lectureship Series at the university. It will be preceded by a reception at 1 p.m. and followed by a student open forum from 4-5:30 p.m.

Southern Miss polymer science professor Dr. Charles McCormick, who is coordinating Hawker's visit to campus, said the public and university's scientific community is in for a “real treat” with Hawker's lecture Tuesday. 

"Dr. Hawker's pioneering achievements linking fundamental polymer science to nanotechnology of the future are truly remarkable, as evidenced by his global recognition,” McCormick said.  “We're excited to have him on our campus to share his leading edge research and captivating enthusiasm for science.” 

Earlier in the day, Hawker will also visit with approximately 100 students from Hattiesburg and Forrest County Agricultural High Schools as part of activities associated with a National Science Foundation GK-12 grant awarded to the university.

He will discuss his research and career opportunities in science and engineering with the students, who will also tour Southern Miss science research facilities, learn about polymers, participate in hands-on demonstrations and engage in laboratory activities with Southern Miss faculty and graduate students. 

Also a professor in the Materials, Chemistry and Biochemistry departments at UC-Santa Barbara, Hawker's research activities focus on synthetic polymer chemistry, nanotechnology and materials science, in which he integrates fundamental synthetic studies with the development of nanostructured materials.

He holds more than 45 patents, has published more than 300 papers and has received a number of awards for his work. In 2010, he was named a Fellow of the Royal Society.

For more information about this event, call the Southern Miss School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at 601.266.4868.