WARRENDALE, PA—The Materials Research Society is pleased to announce Elizabeth Kupp,The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), as its new chair of the Public Outreach Committee (POC), effective July 1, 2015. Kupp, chair of the Education Symposium Planning Subcommittee since its inception in 2012, will be a major contributor to the overall direction ofMRS public outreach activities and programs. She has been an active member of the POC and succeeds Aditi Risbud of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, who provided five years of outstanding service and leadership to MRS and its materials science education and public outreach efforts.
The POC develops activities and programs on both national and local levels to educate the general public on materials research and its importance. Activities and programs may include, but are not be limited to, pre-university science education, press communications and public service information. The committee evaluates, interprets and communicates impact of the Society's public awareness programs to the Board of Directors and collaborates with otherMRS Operating Committees to publicize existing Society programs and engage the membership in outreach activities. Visit our Public Outreach Activities page for more information on some of MRS' public outreach programs.
Kupp received her BS degree in ceramic science and engineering and her PhD degree in materials science from Penn State. She is currently a senior research associate and director of the Advanced Materials Processing Laboratory. In addition to her role as a research scientist, Kupp teaches undergraduate laboratory courses, advises undergraduate students and the Material Advantage student professional society chapter at Penn State. She also plays a leading role in the department's outreach and recruiting efforts. Kupp's service activities include a recent appointment as chair of the Diversity Council for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State, as well as serving on a variety of department and college committees.
"Libby has been integral to the MRS Public Outreach Committee for years," said MRS Executive Director Todd Osman. "She helped lead and set parameters for education symposia at annual MRS Spring and Fall Meetings, and facilitated bringing industrial safety training to MRS. Her experience in education and leadership, partnered with her action-oriented approach to new initiatives, makes Libby a true asset as chair of the POC."
"I am excited to take over the role of chair of the Public Outreach Committee," said Kupp. "I look forward to working with MRS staff and the other members of the POC on ongoing programs, as well as developing new initiatives to further the mission of MRS in the area of public outreach. Aditi Risbud, the outgoing POC chair, provided strong leadership to the committee over the past several years and I would like to thank her for her commitment to that role."
About the Materials Research Society
MRS is an organization of over 13,000 materials researchers from academia, industry and government worldwide, and a recognized leader in promoting the advancement of interdisciplinary materials research and technology to improve the quality of life. MRS members are students and professionals hailing from physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and engineering—the full spectrum of materials research. Headquartered in Warrendale, Pennsylvania (USA), MRS membership now spans 90 countries, with approximately 45 percent of members residing outside the United States.
MRS serves and engages members across generations to advance their careers and promote materials research and innovation. The Society produces high-quality meetings and publications, assuring that members of all career stages can present and publish their most important and timely work to an international and interdisciplinary audience. MRS continues to expand its professional development portfolio, as well as promote diversity and inclusion in the scientific workforce, with career services for researchers worldwide. The Society advocates for the importance of scientific research and innovation to policymakers and the community. And the MRS Awards program honors those whose work has already had a major impact in the field, as well as those whose work shows great promise for future leadership.
For more information about the Materials Research Society visit
mrs.org and follow
@Materials_MRS.