Leadership transition for NU-Argonne research partnership
As NAISE founding co-director Peter Voorhees steps down, Northwestern seeks nominations for a new director to continue the thriving collaboration with the national laboratory
By Matt Golosinski
Northwestern University is announcing a leadership transition within the Northwestern-Argonne Institute for Science and Engineering (NAISE). Professor Peter Voorhees (materials science and engineering), the founding co-director of NAISE, stepped down effective September 1, 2024. Professor Jennifer Dunn (chemical and biological engineering) will serve as interim director while the search for the next permanent director begins. Anyone wishing to submit a nomination or to learn additional details about the role should contact Associate Vice President for Research Jian Cao before October 15. (See additional details below.)
NAISE is a collaborative research initiative founded in 2011 as a partnership between Northwestern and Argonne National Laboratory. It serves as a multidisciplinary hub that bridges the expertise and resources of both institutions, fostering cutting-edge research in materials science, energy, environmental sustainability, and computational modeling. By combining the strengths of academia and the national labs, NAISE enhances the ability to tackle complex scientific challenges, enabling breakthroughs that might be impossible within a single institution.
A legacy of innovation and partnership
Since its inception, NAISE has thrived under Voorhees' visionary leadership and efforts to create a dynamic, inter-institutional research environment. These efforts have resulted in numerous high-impact projects, such as advancements in energy storage, quantum materials, and environmental sustainability.
A distinguished materials science and engineering expert, Voorhees is renowned for his pioneering work in microstructural evolution and solidification theory. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of how materials behave and transform, especially under extreme conditions. Voorhees was instrumental in establishing NAISE as a leading hub for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of various scientific fields at Northwestern and Argonne alongside his then co-director, Dr. Peter H. Beckman. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, fellowships in many professional societies, and recognition as a highly cited researcher in his field.
One of his key achievements was successfully establishing the Center for Hierarchical Materials Design (CHiMaD). This collaborative initiative has positioned Northwestern and its partners at the forefront of materials science research. CHiMaD is funded with a substantial grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which has provided more than $25 million to support groundbreaking work in materials design, particularly in computational modeling and advanced manufacturing.
"Peter's leadership has been crucial in shaping NAISE into what it is today," said Vice President for Research Eric Perreault. "His dedication to fostering collaboration between Northwestern and Argonne has set the stage for groundbreaking research that bridges academia and industry, driving innovation in critical areas. I’m grateful for all he has done and look forward to continuing to build this important research relationship with Argonne."
Pursuing breakthrough advances
Perreault said that the partnership between Northwestern and national laboratories like Argonne is a prime example of how collaboration can amplify research impact. By leveraging the strengths of both academic institutions and national labs, researchers gain access to cutting-edge facilities, diverse expertise, and a broader range of funding opportunities. These collaborations advance scientific understanding and translate research into practical applications that address national and global challenges.
"Collaborations between universities and national laboratories are crucial for pushing the boundaries of science and engineering," said Voorhees, who will remain at Northwestern as the Frank C. Engelhart Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. "These partnerships allow us to tackle complex problems that no single institution could address, bringing together the best minds and resources to drive innovation."
Professor Dunn is stepping into the interim director role, bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to strengthening the Northwestern-Argonne relationship. Before joining Northwestern as a professor, Dunn was deeply involved in building the partnership between the two institutions during her tenure at the national laboratory. Her expertise in sustainable energy systems and her ability to foster collaborative research make her an ideal leader during this transition.
"Jennifer has been an integral part of NAISE’s journey," said Voorhees. "Her experience and dedication to collaboration between our institutions make her the perfect person to lead NAISE during this transition as we continue to push the boundaries of science and engineering."
Dunn has made significant contributions to her field. Her research focuses on the life cycle analysis of energy systems, emphasizing biofuels, hydrogen, and other low-carbon energy technologies. Her work has proven instrumental in advancing the understanding of these technologies' environmental impacts, providing critical insights that inform policy and guide the development of sustainable energy solutions.
“I am thrilled to be able to step in to help NAISE while we identify the next permanent director,” said Dunn. “This is a thriving partnership with an even brighter future in pursuing breakthrough science with real-world impact.”
NAISE research highlights
During Voorhees’ tenure, NAISE has contributed to several groundbreaking research initiatives. In addition to CHiMaD, NAISE includes the Northwestern Center for Water Research, the Northwestern Synchrotron Research Center, and many smaller multiple- PI efforts. These are central to a research portfolio that explores:
- Energy Storage Solutions: NAISE researchers have developed advanced materials for energy storage, including next-generation batteries that offer higher efficiency and longer lifespans.
- Quantum Materials: Collaborative work with Argonne has led to significant advancements in quantum materials, which are crucial for developing future computing technologies.
- Environmental Sustainability: The institute has made strides in understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of industrial processes, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. Merging sensing advances with artificial intelligence to assess environmental quality through the Sage Network of sensors has also been a foundational element of the institute.
Search for the next permanent director
As NAISE looks to the future, the search for the next permanent director is underway. Northwestern invites nominations and self-nominations from those interested in leading this dynamic, high-impact institute. Send nominations to Associate Vice President Jian Cao, who will help oversee the selection process. You may also contact Professor Cao to learn more about this opportunity. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, nominations should be submitted by October 15, 2024.
Cao says NAISE is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and impact. It will leverage the strengths of two leading research institutions to focus on critical areas such as advancing artificial intelligence, developing advanced materials for energy storage, designing quantum materials for next-generation computing, and creating sustainable technologies to mitigate environmental challenges.
“These efforts advance scientific knowledge and contribute to real-world solutions that address global issues,” said Cao. “The collaboration between Northwestern and Argonne will remain a critical driver of research that addresses some of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges of our time.”