MEMS Distinguished Seminar: Robert Clark, "Walkabout: From Engineering Research and Entrepreneurship to Academic Leadership— and Back Again"

The Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science hosts Professor Robert Clark (University of Rochester) to present the MEMS Distinguished Seminar, "Walkabout: From Engineering Research and Entrepreneurship to Academic Leadership-and Back Again."

ABSTRACT: After 16 years at Duke University and 18 years at the University of Rochester, my academic career has taken several unexpected turns. What began as a traditional path centered on engineering research gradually expanded to include entrepreneurship, university leadership, technology commercialization, and national service before ultimately returning to the creative work of engineering and innovation.

This seminar reflects on the opportunities, challenges, and tradeoffs encountered along that journey-from building a research program and founding companies, to serving as department chair, dean, senior vice president for research, and provost, and finally stepping away from administration to re-engage with teaching, innovation, and collaborative research. Along the way, I'll share lessons learned about balancing scholarship with leadership, how administrative service changes one's perspective on academia, and why returning to technical creativity has been especially rewarding.

BIO: Dr. Robert L. (Rob) Clark is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rochester and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Prior to joining the University of Rochester, he was a faculty member wiin the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University, where he also served as Senior Associate Dean and Interim Dean of the Pratt School of Engineering. At the University of Rochester, he served as Dean of the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences before becoming Provost and Senior Vice President for Research, leading major initiatives in interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization. His research has made significant contributions to precision engineering, smart materials and structures, mechatronics, controls, acoustics, and advanced manufacturing. In addition to his academic appointments, Dr. Clark is Lead Director of Minerals Technologies Inc., Venture Partner at Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Technical Diligence Lead for Breakthrough Energy Catalyst.

Contact

Spaulding, Amy
919-660-5310
amy.spaulding@duke.edu