A new fund has been established to support Lehigh’s materials science and engineering (MSE) graduate program, thanks to contributions from 100 percent of the MSE faculty. Named in memory of former professor Richard Vinci, who lost his battle with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2019, the Richard Vinci Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Support Endowment Fund will provide resources for supplementary research, research exchange, educational costs, teaching tools, special awards, and funding for graduate students to attend or present at professional society meetings and conferences.
Enabling more graduate students to present new findings at conferences and professional meetings will enhance the Rossin College’s visibility and help increase and elevate the university’s reputation as a premier research institution. Increasing support in areas of research and distinction is a top priority of GO: The Campaign for Lehigh.
Professor Vinci, whose expertise was in mechanical behavior of materials, was a revered researcher, teacher, curriculum innovator, and scholar-mentor. Throughout his time at Lehigh, his research focused on the processing and properties of thin films and other small volumes of material, with an emphasis on characterizing and modifying mechanical behavior.
“Rick will be remembered as a brilliant educator and an accomplished researcher whose work is recognized on an international level. He was also a friend of the entire department,” said Wojciech Z. Misiolek, chair of the MSE department and Loewy Professor of Materials Forming and Processing. “Many students have reflected that his contributions to their education have changed their lives. It is a testament to him as an educator and a colleague that the entire MSE faculty established this fund in his honor.”
“Having the award named for Professor Vinci gives the award so much more meaning and emphasizes excellence in research, teaching, and service,” said Lesley Chow, an assistant professor in the MSE and bioengineering departments. “The fund enables us to recognize our outstanding graduate students and provide critical opportunities to support their ongoing development and career.”
Grants from the fund will be competitively awarded to MSE graduate students who are seeking to broaden their professional experiences while representing the department. Those who benefit will share their experiences and knowledge with each other, the faculty, and, especially, MSE undergraduate students through mentorships and research experiences, as well as in the classroom.
As part of Lehigh’s Loewy Institute research group, MSE doctoral student Michael Pires ’17 ’23G is exploring the field of 3-D printing using metal alloys. A teaching assistant, Pires works with undergraduates in the classroom and the lab.
“We have some phenomenal faculty here, both as academics and individuals. I think I speak for all of our graduate students in the department that we really do appreciate not just their commitment to our work, but also our relationships as friends and mentors,” Pires added. “The fact that 100 percent of faculty are supporting this fund speaks volumes to their commitment to us.”
—Story by Dawn Thren ’21P
Gifts to the Richard Vinci Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Support Endowment Fund support a powerful community of scholars and enable the college to continue elevating its impact and reputation.
Contributions may be made online or by contacting Megan Casey, director of development, Rossin College, mkc315@lehigh.edu, (610) 758-5747. Does your employer offer matching gifts? You could double, or even triple, the impact of your gift!
