Professor Raymond "Ray" Pearson, a longtime member of Lehigh University's materials science community, died September 27, 2026. He was 68.
Ray joined Lehigh's Department of Materials Science and Engineering in August 1990 and remained at the university for the rest of his career. His research focused on the processing, deformation, yield, and fracture of polymers, as well as adhesive and interfacial behavior in polymeric systems. His work earned international recognition and helped establish Lehigh as a leader in polymer science and engineering. He led the Microelectronic Packaging Materials Lab and authored dozens of refereed publications and book chapters.
For many of his colleagues and students, Ray's greatest impact was as a mentor. He advised more than 40 graduate students who went on to careers in industry and academia and was deeply committed to students at every stage of their education. He received both of Lehigh's Hillman Awards, for Excellence in Graduate Student Advising and Excellence in Undergraduate Student Advising.
Ray also played a major role in building Lehigh's polymer programs. For many years, he directed the Center for Polymer Science and Engineering and the Polymers Graduate Program. He helped develop the program's online graduate offerings, making Lehigh's expertise in polymers accessible to working professionals far beyond Bethlehem. His contributions to the field were recognized with his election as a Fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineers and service on its executive board, as well as the Adhesion Society's Award for Excellence in Adhesion Science.
He also took on a number of leadership roles within the Rossin College. From 2016 to 2018, he served as the college's first Associate Dean for Faculty Development, helping establish the position and its responsibilities. He later served as interim Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.
A memorial service will be held at 11am Thursday, October 1st in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough, and his full obituary is available via its Website.
