Alumnus Michael Pishko Named Engineering Dean at the University of Wyoming
Alumnus and accomplished chemical engineer Michael Pishko has been appointed as dean of the University of Wyoming’s (UW) College of Engineering and Applied Science.
Pishko, also an experienced administrator, will begin his new post at UW March 1. He is currently the director of the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing at Texas A&M University.
“We’re delighted to have someone of Dr. Pishko’s profile and background assume this important leadership position at UW,” says UW President Dick McGinity, who headed the search committee for the engineering deanship. “This is a time of incredible opportunities for the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and we have the right person to lead the college in capitalizing on these opportunities that he and many others recognize will have a significant, positive impact on Wyoming’s economy.”
Pishko, a professor of chemical engineering and biomedical engineering, has directed the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing at Texas A&M since 2009. He also served as head of that university’s Department of Chemical Engineering from 2007 to 2011.
His experience at Texas A&M included leading workforce development and education programs for the Texas A&M Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing. His role with the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing included work on academic, workforce training and K-12 outreach initiatives.
Pishko also has worked extensively with private industry and holds numerous patents in the field of biomedical engineering.
Before going to Texas A&M, Pishko was on the chemical engineering faculty of Pennsylvania State University. He received his Ph.D. (1992) from The University of Texas at Austin under the supervision of Professor Adam Heller, and obtained his master’s (1987) and bachelor’s (1986) degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia, all in chemical engineering.
“I’m excited to be a part of the University of Wyoming’s drive to achieve excellence and national prominence in its engineering and energy programs,” Pishko says. “The public-private partnerships that are in place to make this happen are remarkable, and I plan to continue building upon this foundation.”
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