UTRC names Amis Director, Physical Sciences Department
 Dr. Eric Amis |
Dr. Amis comes to the Research Center from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where since 2007 he has served as Acting Director, Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL). Prior to his acting directorship, he worked for 11 years in NIST's Polymers Division, serving as its chief from 1999-2006. Before joining NIST, he was on the faculty in Chemistry at the University of Southern California for 11 years.
"Dr. Amis has an impressive standing within the international scientific community, and I am pleased to welcome him to the Research Center," said Dr. David Parekh, Vice President, Research, and Director, UTRC. "I'm confident his pioneering leadership will enable the deployment of market-differentiating innovations across the product lines of UTC businesses. His passion for technical excellence will inspire our staff as well as further enhance our external relationships and reputation."
The Physical Sciences Department at UTRC is responsible for expertise in the Material Sciences, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Structural Integrity, and Materials Characterization. In his new position, Dr. Amis will lead a team of approximately 120 highly qualified scientists and researchers and oversee key laboratory activities as well as manage external partnerships. He also will provide focus on developing technology capabilities in areas that are aligned with the strategic direction of the company, including nanotechnology and materials by design.
Amis is a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) and the Polymeric Materials Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS), and has served as chair of the Division of Polymer Physics of the APS and of the Polymer Chemistry Division of the ACS. He also is past Chair of the Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards and currently is Vice President of the World Materials Research Institutes Forum.
Founded in 1929, United Technologies Research Center provides advanced technologies, innovative thinking and disciplined research for industry leading customers in aerospace propulsion, building infrastructure and services, heating and air conditioning, fire and security systems and power generation. UTRC's customers include all UTC business units, as well as government agencies and independent organizations. Among its key research goals are sustainable technologies that positively impact the marketplace while conserving resources. UTRC is based in East Hartford, Conn., and operates an office in Shanghai, China.
