Chris Cornelius reappointed chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Author: Cyclone Engineering
Chris Cornelius has been reappointed as Dr. Thomas D. McGee and Dr. Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon Department Chair in Materials Science and Engineering.
Cornelius was appointed to his first term as department chair in 2021. His second term will run from 2026–2031.
“I’m honored to serve a second term as department chair and excited for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated colleagues as we build on our shared successes, including enrollment, expanded research facilities, a successful reaccreditation review, and stronger relationships with our alumni,” said Cornelius.
During Cornelius’ first term as chair, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering completed the 2024–25 ABET review with no program deficiencies, weaknesses, or concerns. The department also secured more than $1.5 million to modernize 10,792 square feet of lab space in Gilman Hall and increased annual faculty research expenditures from $13.4 million (2021) to $18.4 million (2024).
The department has also become a key player in advanced manufacturing innovation efforts, including the establishment of the Quad Cities Smart Design and Manufacturing Lab (QCSDM) as a multi-university collaboration. And the department has become the administrative home for Iowa State’s nondestructive evaluation minor program, aligning coursework and advising while reviving core offerings and developing advanced electives.
In addition, Cornelius guided the development of the department’s 2024–2029 strategic plan through a yearlong, collaborative process with faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
“As chair, Chris has made such a positive impact on the Department of Materials Science and Engineering’s teaching, research, facilities, and culture. And he has built a strong shared vision for the department’s future,” said W. Samuel Easterling, James L. and Katherine S. Melsa Dean of the College of Engineering. “Now, in Chris’ second term as chair, the department is in a great position to go after new opportunities and reach new levels of success.”
Cornelius joined Iowa State from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Before that, he held engineering and technical leadership positions at Sandia National Laboratories, 3M, and Dow Chemical.
Cornelius’ research interests are fundamental material interrelationships; transport of molecule, ion and electrons in complex structures and interfaces; electrospinning organic and inorganic materials; and material surface design.
Cornelius received his master’s and doctorate degrees in chemical engineering from Virginia Tech and his bachelor’s degree from Montana State University.