Sigma Xi is pleased to announce that Dr. Kathy Lu has accepted the role of Director of the Research and Doctoral Universities Group to fill the unexpired term of Tammy Maldonado who resigned due to family member's unexpected passing. Kathy was elected in 2020 as Associate Director of the R & D and began her term in July 2021*.
Kathy joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech in 2004. After completing her B.S in Ceramics from Tianjin University, she completed her MS and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Ohio State University. Additional professional experience includes Director of Materials Processing at Center for Innovative Sintered Products of Pennsylvania State University and Materials Development and Processing Scientist at Energizer Battery Company. Kathy's primary research interests are materials synthesis, processing, characterization, and fundamental studies.
Joining Kathy in her leadership of the Research and Doctoral Universities Constituency Group is Dr. Allison Augustus-Wallace who was appointed as Interim Associate Director effective immediately through June 30, 2022. Allison serves LSU Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine (SOM), Department of Medicine, and Office of Diversity and Community Engagement as an Associate Professor-Research, and as Director of Undergraduate Academic Pipeline Programs for Diversity.
*In accordance with the Society's Bylaws III. Section 4 B. (ii) Vacancies. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Director, the vacancy shall be filled by the Associate Director.