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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. John Wiest, professor of chemical and biological engineering, has been named associate dean for research and graduate studies at The University of Alabama College of Engineering.

“I believe Dr. Wiest’s notable experience in working on multi-disciplinary teams, his long-term involvement with the University’s graduate school, and his understanding of national funding agencies will be extremely valuable in this position,” said Dr. Charles L. Karr, dean of UA’s College of Engineering.

As associate dean for research and graduate studies, Wiest will be responsible for working with research funding agencies, assisting engineering faculty with research proposals and budgets, and coordinating the engineering graduate programs.

Wiest has served the College of Engineering for nearly 10 years. He has authored more than 40 publications and articles throughout his career, and he has been actively involved in several professional organizations.

Wiest’s engineering research deals with transport phenomena in polymeric and structurally complex systems with emphasis on molecular theories. He is an interdisciplinary researcher with ongoing projects through UA’s Center for Materials for Information Technology, known as MINT, and the Alabama DOE/EPSCoR program.

Wiest has been involved in enhancing the quality of education offered at the Capstone through his efforts on numerous committees, including serving as the College’s representative on the University’s Graduate Council and working on the MINT executive committee.

In 1837, The University of Alabama became the first university in the state to offer engineering classes and was one of the first five in the nation to do so. Today, the College of Engineering has about 1,800 students and more than 95 faculty. It has been fully accredited since accreditation standards were implemented in the 1930s.