October 12, 2001

Wayne State University professor to lead engineering directorate at National Science Foundation

DETROIT, Mich. -- Wayne State University Professor Esin Gulari has been appointed an acting assistant director at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in charge of engineering. A professor of chemical engineering, Gulari has been on leave at NSF for the past 12 months serving as director of its chemical and transport systems division.

In her new position as NSF acting assistant director, Gulari oversees six NSF divisions with a budget of more than $500 million to fund academic research. Her promotion is a 12-month assignment while a national search is conducted for a permanent director.

This is the first time a woman and a chemical engineer has led the engineering directorate. Gulari will be reporting directly to NSF Director Rita Colwell. "We are fortunate to have a person of Dr. Gulari's caliber among us and look forward with confidence to her leadership of the engineering directorate," Colwell said.

Gulari's appointment began September 4.

"NSF has a very important mission in building the science and engineering enterprise in this country," said Gulari. "I am extremely honored to take on this role for a very prestigious organization committed to research and education at the frontiers of science and engineering."

Gulari earned her Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Caltech in Pasadena, California, in 1973, and joined the WSU College of Engineering faculty in 1979. She was chair of the WSU Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

Department from 1993 to 2000. In 1995, she and her colleague, Charles Manke, were awarded the Henry Ford Technology Award for their work in controlling oil mist in machining operations, an important innovation for environmental conditions in automotive plants.

She is an active member of the American Institute Chemical Engineers, second vice chair for the Council of Chemical Research, a member of the NRC Chemical Sciences Roundtable, and a member of the executive board of the Committee for the Advancement of Women Chemists and Chemical Engineers.

Gulari is also the recipient of many honors and awards, including the Wayne State Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award (1996) and the Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award (1999).