Robyn E. Hannigan Explained

Robyn E. Hannigan
19th President of Ursinus College
Term Start:July 1, 2022
Predecessor:Brock Blomberg
Module:
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Thesis Title:Trace and major elements in sedimentary and igneous processes: REE geochemistry of black shales and MORB and major element chemical variations in plume-generated basalts
Thesis Url:https://www.proquest.com/docview/304363546/
Thesis Year:1997

Robyn Ellen Hannigan is an American academic in the field of science, and an inventor and entrepreneur. She is the 19th president[1] of Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa., having previously served as the provost of Clarkson University.[2]

Hannigan and her colleagues have developed four patents and technologies, including one which resolved an analytical chemistry instrument communication issue, and another which was a medical application technology.[3] [4] [5]

Early life

Hannigan grew up in New Jersey. Her mother was a member of the Narragansett Nation.[6] As a young person, she was an enthusiastic but unsuccessful science student, receiving a D grade in her biology class. Her parents insisted that she attend college, and she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from The College of New Jersey, despite being a reluctant student. After working for her local health department after graduation, she found that she wanted to pursue higher education.

She went on to receive Master of Arts in geology from SUNY Buffalo, and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Rochester.[7]

Career

Hannigan's previous positions include Founding Dean, School for the Environment, University of Massachusetts Boston; Program Officer, Division of Biological Infrastructure, National Science Foundation;[2] Graduate Program Director, Environmental Science Graduate Program, Arkansas State University; Co-founder and Chief Science Officer, GeoMed Analytical, Boston, Mass.; and co-founder and Chief Science Officer, Hyphenated Solutions, State University Arkansas. She has also held faculty appointments as a professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston and Arkansas State University.[7]

Hannigan is the co-inventor of four patents: Peltier-cooled cryogenic laser ablation cell,[8] Detection of a component of interest with an ultraviolet laser and method of using the same,[9] Oral fluid assays for the detection of heavy metal exposure,[10] and Universal transfer apparatus and method to use same.[11]

Awards

Hannigan is a Fellow[12] of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2010), a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (2008),[13] a recipient of the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences from the American Chemical Society (2007),[14] and a Fellow of the Aldo Leopold Leadership Program (2001).[15]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Snyder . Susan . From a D in high school biology to graduate degrees in science and now a college presidency: Meet Ursinus' new leader. . 2022-07-12 . inquirer.com . 4 March 2022 . en.
  2. News: Shea . Kevin . 2019-03-30 . Clarkson's new provost appointed . Watertown Daily Times . 2020-02-18.
  3. Web site: Robyn Hannigan - Entrepreneurial . umb.edu . 2020-02-18.
  4. News: 1 May 2009, B6 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com . 2009-05-01 . The Boston Globe. 2020-02-18 . Boston . B6 . Newspapers.com . Hannigan is excited by the prospect of developing her own company, GeoMed Analytical..
  5. Web site: Fast start for GeoMed Analytical VDC . umb.edu . 2020-02-18.
  6. Web site: Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science: Robyn Hannigan, PhD.. 2021-06-11.
  7. Web site: Four Women to Serve as Provosts at Major Universities : Women In Academia Report . wiareport.com . 13 June 2019 . 2020-02-18.
  8. US. US9679753B2. Peltier-cooled cryogenic laser ablation cell. patent. 2017-06-13. 2014-03-14. 2017-06-13. Robyn Hannigan. Thomas Darrah. Francesco Peri.
  9. US. US8174691B1. Detection of a component of interest with an ultraviolet laser and method of using the same. patent. 2012-05-08. 2012-05-08. Matthew Horton. Robyn Hannigan.
  10. US. US7829340B2. Oral fluid assays for the detection of heavy metal exposure. patent. 2010-11-09. 2008-07-28. 2010-11-09. Eugene E. Elwell. Robyn Hannigan. Edward Eckert.
  11. US. US8174691B1. Detection of a component of interest with an ultraviolet laser and method of using the same. patent. 2012-05-08. 2008-03-14. 2012-05-08. Matthew Horton. Robyn Hannigan.
  12. Web site: AAAS Honorary Fellows American Association for the Advancement of Science. aaas.org . 2020-02-18.
  13. Web site: News from Arkansas State University . astate.edu . 2020-02-18.
  14. Web site: ACS Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences - American Chemical Society . acs.org . 2020-02-18.
  15. Web site: Fellows Directory Page 4 Leopold Leadership Program . stanford.edu . 2020-02-18.