Robyn E. Hannigan | |
---|---|
19th President of Ursinus College | |
Assumed office July 1, 2022 | |
Preceded by | Brock Blomberg |
Alma mater |
University of Rochester SUNY Buffalo The College of New Jersey |
Scientific career | |
Fields |
Earth Science Environmental Science Geology Biology |
Institutions |
Ursinus College Clarkson University University of Massachusetts Boston National Science Foundation Arkansas State University |
Thesis | Trace and major elements in sedimentary and igneous processes: REE geochemistry of black shales and MORB and major element chemical variations in plume-generated basalts (1997) |
Doctoral advisor | Asish Basu |
Robyn Ellen Hannigan is an American academic in the field of science, and an inventor and entrepreneur. She is the 19th president [1] of Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa., having previously served as the provost of Clarkson University. [2]
Hannigan and her colleagues have developed four patents and technologies, including one which resolved an analytical chemistry instrument communication issue, and another which was a medical application technology. [3] [4] [5]
Hannigan grew up in New Jersey. Her mother was a member of the Narragansett Nation. [6] As a young person, she was an enthusiastic but unsuccessful science student, receiving a D grade in her biology class. [6] Her parents insisted that she attend college, and she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from The College of New Jersey, despite being a reluctant student. [6] After working for her local health department after graduation, she found that she wanted to pursue higher education. [6]
She went on to receive Master of Arts in geology from SUNY Buffalo, and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Rochester. [7]
Hannigan's previous positions include Founding Dean, School for the Environment, University of Massachusetts Boston; Program Officer, Division of Biological Infrastructure, National Science Foundation; [2] Graduate Program Director, Environmental Science Graduate Program, Arkansas State University; Co-founder and Chief Science Officer, GeoMed Analytical, Boston, Mass.; and co-founder and Chief Science Officer, Hyphenated Solutions, State University Arkansas. She has also held faculty appointments as a professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston and Arkansas State University. [7]
Hannigan is the co-inventor of four patents: Peltier-cooled cryogenic laser ablation cell, [8] Detection of a component of interest with an ultraviolet laser and method of using the same, [9] Oral fluid assays for the detection of heavy metal exposure, [10] and Universal transfer apparatus and method to use same. [11]
Hannigan is a Fellow [12] of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2010), a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (2008), [13] a recipient of the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences from the American Chemical Society (2007), [14] and a Fellow of the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program (2001). [15]
Hannigan is excited by the prospect of developing her own company, GeoMed Analytical.