Becker, Rubinstein Awarded Distinguished Professorships

4/16 Pratt School of Engineering

Duke Engineers join class of 29 Distinguished Professorships announced by Duke this year

Matthew Becker (left) and Michael Rubinstein (right)
Becker, Rubinstein Awarded Distinguished Professorships

Duke University has awarded distinguished professorships to 28 faculty members from eight Duke colleges and schools, including two faculty members from the Pratt School of Engineering.

Matthew Becker, who holds appointments in mechanical engineering and materials science and chemistry, has been named the Hugo L. Blomquist Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, effective September 1, 2020. Becker is an expert in organic polymer chemistry, whose research is focused on developing bioactive polymers for regenerative medicine and drug delivery.

Michael Rubinstein, who holds appointments in mechanical engineering and materials science, biomedical engineering, chemistry, and physics, has been named the Aleksander S. Vesic Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, effective July 1, 2020. Rubinstein’s research focuses on creating polymeric models to bridge scientific disciplines and advance soft-matter research.

While the annual University Distinguished Professors dinner will be postponed until social gathering restrictions are lifted, Provost Sally Kornbluth is ready to congratulate this year’s recipients now.

“I am thrilled to honor this wonderful cohort of scholars, teachers, and members of the Duke community,” Kornbluth said. “Becoming a distinguished professor at Duke is a great achievement, and one that is richly deserved by these outstanding colleagues. I look forward to being able to congratulate them in person!”

See the full list of new Distinguished Professorships on Duke Today.