WARRENDALE, PA – [June 29, 2015] –The Materials Research Society (MRS) is pleased to announce Elizabeth Kupp, The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), as its new chair of the Public Outreach Committee (POC), effective July 1, 2015. Kupp, chair of the Education Symposium Planning Subcommittee since its inception in 2012, will be a major contributor to the overall direction of MRS public outreach activities and programs. She has been an active member of the POC and succeeds Aditi Risbud of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, who provided five years of outstanding service and leadership to MRS and its materials science education and public outreach efforts.
The POC develops activities and programs on both national and local levels to educate the general public on materials research and its importance. Activities and programs may include, but are not be limited to, pre-university science education, press communications and public service information. The committee evaluates, interprets and communicates impact of the Society’s public awareness programs to the Board of Directors and collaborates with other MRS Operating Committees to publicize existing Society programs and engage the membership in outreach activities. Visit our Public Outreach Activities page for more information on some of MRS' public outreach programs.
Kupp received her BS degree in ceramic science and engineering and her PhD degree in materials science from Penn State. She is currently a senior research associate and director of the Advanced Materials Processing Laboratory. In addition to her role as a research scientist, Kupp teaches undergraduate laboratory courses, advises undergraduate students and the Material Advantage student professional society chapter at Penn State. She also plays a leading role in the department's outreach and recruiting efforts. Kupp's service activities include a recent appointment as chair of the Diversity Council for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State, as well as serving on a variety of department and college committees.
"Libby has been integral to the MRS Public Outreach Committee for years," said MRS Executive Director Todd Osman. "She helped lead and set parameters for education symposia at annual MRS Spring and Fall Meetings, and facilitated bringing industrial safety training to MRS. Her experience in education and leadership, partnered with her action-oriented approach to new initiatives, makes Libby a true asset as chair of the POC."
"I am excited to take over the role of chair of the Public Outreach Committee," said Kupp. "I look forward to working with MRS staff and the other members of the POC on ongoing programs, as well as developing new initiatives to further the mission of MRS in the area of public outreach. Aditi Risbud, the outgoing POC chair, provided strong leadership to the committee over the past several years and I would like to thank her for her commitment to that role."
Photo of Kupp available upon request at fornataro@mrs.org.
About the Materials Research Society
MRS is an international organization of over 16,000 materials researchers from academia, industry and government, and a recognized leader in promoting the advancement of interdisciplinary materials research to improve the quality of life. MRS members are engaged and enthusiastic professionals hailing from physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and engineering—the full spectrum of materials research. Headquartered in Warrendale, Pennsylvania (USA), MRS membership now spans over 80 countries, with more than 47 percent of members residing outside the United States. In addition to its communications and publications portfolio, MRS organizes high-quality scientific meetings, attracting over 13,000 attendees annually and facilitating interactions among a wide range of experts from the cutting edge of the global materials community. MRS is also a recognized leader in education outreach and advocacy for scientific research. More information about the Materials Research Society can be found on its website, www.mrs.org.