Darrell H. Reneker, Ph.D., Endowed Award in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering

The Darrell H. Reneker, Ph.D., Endowed Award in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering was established in 2022 by the Akron Council of Engineering and Scientific Societies and the Akron Physics Club. Members of both organizations wished to recognize and honor the extraordinary life and groundbreaking research of their late friend and colleague, Dr. Darrell H. Reneker.

A native of Winchester, Iowa, Dr. Reneker earned an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University in 1951 and a doctorate in solid state physics from the University of Chicago in 1959. He was a revered and longtime faculty member at The University of Akron, where he served from 1989 until his retirement as Emeritus Professor of Polymer Science in 2019. He passed away on October 17, 2021, at age 91, predeceased by his wife, Joan, and survived by a son, Douglas (Margaret); daughter, Elizabeth Riley (Stephen); four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Dr. Reneker’s distinguished research and teaching career spanned more than 60 years. After graduation, he conducted research in polymer physics for DuPont. In 1969, he joined the National Institute of Standards and Technology as manager of the Center for Materials Science. While there he also served as an executive secretary of the Committee on Materials for the White House Science Office. Dr. Reneker joined UA as a professor of polymer science and director of the Institute of Polymer Science. His key scientific interests focused on polymer nanofibers, their microscopic structure, electromechanical properties and effects, and atomic-scale electron microscopy.

He also discovered and developed a method of electrospinning that is used worldwide today for innovations in polymer science and materials research. His discovery earned him deserved recognition as the ‘father of electrospinning.’ Dr. Reneker’s highly accomplished research record includes more than $5 million in funded projects, 40 issued U.S. patents and pending patent applications, and more than 160 publications. An outstanding adviser on issues of intellectual property, he was also deeply committed to scientific progress in polymer physics, polymer science, and electrical engineering.

Dr. Reneker’s true legacy, however, resides with his students, colleagues, friends, and family – all of whom benefitted immensely from his remarkable knowledge and creativity. Dr. Reneker was passionate about his role in academia, directing more than 22 Ph.D. and M.S. students and serving as an exemplary mentor for the next generation of polymer experts, a role he relished and continued throughout his life.

The Darrell H. Reneker, Ph.D., Endowed Award in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering assists University of Akron students in good academic standing who are enrolled in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. To be eligible, students must:
• Be entering their second or third year of graduate work
• Submit a brief description of research area of interest and how it expands the state of the art in polymer science or polymer engineering
• Submit a list of technical conference presentations and peer-reviewed technical publications
• Request a letter of recommendation from their faculty adviser that is provided to the SPSPE selection committee
• Indicate financial need, which will be considered but is not required

Selection of the recipient will be made by the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.