Familiar Face
Robin Selinger
Professor
Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Liquid Crystal Institute
Kent Campus
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Teach and do research in the field of soft matter theory
WORKED AT KENT STATE SINCE:
July 2005
EMPLOYMENT PRIOR TO KENT STATE UNIVERSITY:
Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Catholic University of America
LIKES MOST ABOUT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY:
Kent State has tremendous research strength in soft matter both in the Liquid Crystal Institute and across other academic departments. Soft matter includes liquid crystals, lipids, polymers and colloids, for instance. We have both world-class scholars and facilities, and I enjoy being part of this vibrant community. I am also deeply involved with outreach programs. I co-host Kent State’s annual science fair for kids, and I organize a science internship for high school students.
ATTRACTION TO KENT STATE UNIVERSITY AS AN EMPLOYER:
Kent State’s leading role as a center of excellence in liquid crystal research makes it a great place to build a research group in soft matter theory. The Ph.D. students I’ve worked with have been fantastic.
RESIDES IN:
Hudson, Ohio
HOMETOWN:
Arlington, Texas
EDUCATION:
Ph.D. Physics, Harvard University 1989; AM, Physics, Harvard University, 1986; AB Cum Laude, Physics, Harvard-Radcliffe College, 1984
HOBBIES:
In my free time, I serve as cantorial soloist and music teacher at Temple Beth Shalom in Hudson. I enjoy crocheting with yarn and particularly love to create models showing the geometry of surfaces containing topological defects. I’m also an amateur private eye and genealogy investigator, and use online resources to help friends track down their long-lost family members.
