June 24, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Lowell E. Wenger, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Wayne State University, has been named Dean of the UAB School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, announced Eli Capilouto, acting provost for UAB.
“Dr. Wenger has a tremendous research and administrative background that will enhance our School of Natural Science and Mathematics,” Capilouto said. “He has been successful in working with his faculty to garner additional extramural funding for research while also enhancing academic programs that have led to improved recruitment and retention of students within his department. Dr. Wenger is very familiar with working in an interdisciplinary environment, which is one of the hallmarks of UAB.
“I commend the search committee that was chaired by engineering dean Linda Lucas, Ph.D., for the exemplary work they performed in finding this outstanding individual.”
Wenger received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics and doctorate in solid state physics from Purdue University. He joined Wayne State as an assistant professor in 1976 and has risen through the faculty and administrative ranks at WSU, being named professor of physics in 1986. He served as associate dean of the College of Science from 1996-1999 and has served as the chair of the department of physics and astronomy since 1998.
Wenger's research in experimental condensed matter physics ranges from fundamental studies of the static and dynamic (time-dependent) properties of magnetic materials to investigations of high-temperature superconductors. Most recently, his work has focused on the synthesis and understanding the underlying physics of ferromagnetic nanometer-size particles, wires, and other nanostructures that have potential applications as biomedical and environmental sensors. Most of this research involves ultra-sensitive SQUID magnetometry and ac susceptometry measurement techniques that he has developed and plans to bring with him to UAB. He has authored more than 100 scientific writings on the subjects and provided more than 50 invited presentations and lectures.
Wenger was named a Fulbright-Hays Research Fellow, an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow and twice has won the Wayne State University Faculty Research Award.
“I believe that UAB provides an outstanding model for how researchers from across a campus are able to unite in their quest for finding answers to scientific questions and problems,” Wenger said. “I look forward to working with the faculty not only of the School of Natural Sciences and Math, but throughout the entire campus.”