Dr. Nita Sahai
The University of Akron College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering added Nita Sahai, professor of polymer science, and Bryan Vogt, associate professor of polymer engineering, to its internationally renowned faculty this semester. The appointments meet strategic objectives of the college under Vision 2020, by bringing new expertise to college strengths in biomaterials and interfaces, according to Mark Foster, associate dean of programs, policies and engagement for the college.
Sahai comes to UA's Department of Polymer Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she was a professor of geochemistry in the Materials Science and Environmental Chemistry and Technology programs. Sahai obtained her doctorate at Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Bryan Vogt
Sahai's research interests include biomolecular and cellular interactions with biomaterials and minerals; interfacial chemistry; bone tissue engineering; organic mediated crystal nucleation and growth; biomimetic material synthesis; early evolution of life; environmental geochemistry; and the relation between quantum-level, nanoscale and macroscopic properties.
Vogt was an assistant professor of chemical engineering and chair of the graduate program in chemical engineering at Arizona State University before joining UA's Department of Polymer Engineering. Vogt received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Vogt's research interests focus on the nanoscale structure of the interface between two materials, particularly polymeric materials.
Media contacts: Stephanie Zelasko, siz4@zips.uakron.edu, or Denise Henry, 330-972-6477 or henryd@uakron.edu.