Lawrence T. Drzal
- University Distinguished Professor
- Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
- Composite Materials and Structures Center
Bio
Lawrence T. Drzal is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. He is also director of the MSU Composite Materials and Structures Center and director of the Vehicle Technical Application Area with the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation. He is one of the most recognized experts in composite materials in the world.
He received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from University of Detroit and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and polymer science from Case Western Reserve University. Since joining MSU in 1985, he has trained and mentored many of the top composite materials experts in the U.S. and internationally.
His research at MSU is primarily in adhesion and the fiber-matrix interphase in polymer matrix composite materials reinforced with carbon, glass, polymeric and bio-based fibers. He has more than 450 peer reviewed research papers and 41 patents and is designated a “Highly Cited Researcher in Material Science” by ISIHighlyCited.com. The research from his group led to the founding of XG Sciences, Inc, the world’s largest manufacturer of graphene nanoplatelets.
His many honors include the University of Delaware's Medal of Excellence in Composite Materials (2016), the Lifetime Achievement Award, Automotive Division, Society of Plastics Engineers (2016); and an Honorary Symposium Celebrating his Lifelong Achievements during the American Society for Composites 30th Technical Conference (2015).
Drzal is a fellow of the American Society for Composites, Adhesion Society, American Institute of Chemists, Society of Plastics Engineers, and the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering.