Prof. Vinayak P. Dravid received his B.Tech. from IIT Bombay in 1984 and Ph.D. from Lehigh University in 1990.
His scholarly interests are at the heart of materials science and engineering, with implications to emerging opportunities in nano-bio-technology and energy. He has a diverse research portfolio covering advanced microscopy, nanotechnology, technology strategy, energy policy and emerging educational paradigms. He has authored over 260 archival journal publications and holds more than 24 issued/pending patents. Many of his patents are licensed to start-up companies in nanotechnology, sensor/diagnostic systems. He is a co-founder of a high-tech stage start-up related to his IP portfolio in nano-metrology and bio-chem sensing.
Prof. Dravid has received many awards and honours which include Fellowships to numerous societies: American Physical Society (APS). American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS), Materials Research Society (MRS), the Microscopy Society of America (MSA, inception class), and the American Ceramic Society (ACerS). He is a recipient of the American Ceramic Society’s Robert L. Coble Award the Richard M. Fulrath Award, the MSA’s Burton Medal, the IBM’s Faculty Development Award, and the NSF’s Young Investigator Award. He is an honorary life-time member of MRS India (MRSI). Professor Dravid has been continuously elected to Northwestern’s Faculty Honor Roll for excellence in teaching by UG students for several years.
As the Global Coordinator, Prof. Dravid has helped launch many global research and educational initiatives across Asia (e.g., India, Singapore). Europe (e.g., France Germany), Africa (e.g., Egypt), S. America (e.g., Brazil, Argentina), among others.
He has served as consultant and advisor to bio-chem companies, IP firms, the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago museum of Science and Industry, among others. He advises NGOs, professional society outreach programmes, international organisations and private sectors about science, technology and policy. One of his passions is to enhance societal and global appreciation for science and technology, especially microscopy, materials science, nanotechnology, and energy/sustainability.
Prof. David is professor of Materials Science and Engineering and the founding Director of Northwestern University’s NUA (NU Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental) Centre and Director of Global McCormick Initiative (GMI)