Electrical engineering alum Kenith Meissner '87 will become dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso, effective Aug. 3, 2022, according to a press release.
Messiner, who holds a PhD in optical sciences from the University of Arizona in addition to his Lehigh undergraduate degree, joins UTEP from Swansea University in Wales, where he most recently served as Pro-Vice Chancellor/Executive Dean and as professor of Science and Engineering. Messiner has also held positions at Virginia Tech and Texas A&M and was a postdoctoral appointee in the Surface Physics Group at Sandia National Laboratories.
According to the press release:
"In addition to his academic career, Meissner has worked with several companies to develop a noninvasive glucose measurement system for people with diabetes. In the process, he garnered significant experience in the transfer of technology between academia and the private sector.
Meissner’s research has centered on the development of novel optical techniques and materials for diagnosing disease. He has published more than 90 papers and been principal investigator (PI) or co-PI on more than $5 million in grants from funders such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, medical charities, nonprofit organizations and private companies."
Meissner says he is looking foward to "molding leaders and developing innovators" in his new role at UTEP.
