Faculty & Programs

Lehigh University professor emeritus and chemical engineering alumnus William E. Schiesser ’55 passed away on August 22, 2024. He was 90 years old.

Professor emeritus James Tsai-An Hsu of bioengineering and of chemical and biomolecular engineering, passed away on December 1, 2024. He was 77 years old.

Prof. Hsu was a distinguished chemical engineer and educator, renowned for his contributions to biopharmaceutical engineering. Born in Guangdong, China, he pursued his undergraduate studies at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. He furthered his education in the United States, earning a Master of Science from the University of Rhode Island in 1972 and a PhD from Northwestern University in 1979.

A recent feature published by Diagnostics World highlights Rossin College Professor Xuanhong Cheng (bioengineering/materials science and engineeing) and her research into the molecular and cellular properties of muscle tissue. This fundamental work, which uses advanced electrical sensors to study muscle stem cells, is part of an international effort to uncover biological insights that could inform future diagnostic advancements for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and long COVID.

Congratulations to the Rossin College faculty members who have been recognized with Lehigh University awards for their outstanding contributions to the Lehigh community during the 2024-2025 academic year.

• Lehigh Early Career Award for Distinguished Teaching: Whitney Blocher McTigue, assistant professor, chemical and biomolecular engineering

This award is given to a member of the teaching staff for distinguished teaching performed during the academic year.

Traditionally, the scheduling and control of large-scale systems, such as power grids, microgrids, and naval shipboard power systems, have been managed independently. Enhanced coordination between these processes has the potential to significantly improve both energy efficiency and dynamic system performance.

CRISPR is a powerful gene-editing tool that holds enormous potential for treating genetic diseases by allowing scientists to cut, replace, or delete mutations in DNA. It can also modify gene expression, temporarily amplifying or diminishing its effects. 

Yet, despite its promise, applying CRISPR (which is a reagent, or a substance that facilitates a reaction) in patients presents significant challenges.

Lehigh's Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) Professor Thomas Gartner was an invited keynote speaker at the 5th Engineering Cosmetics and Consumer Products (ECCP) conference this spring.

The Seshadri Lab is using wearable devices in research—including collaborations with Lehigh athletes—that seeks to enhance player performance, prevent injuries, and speed up rehabilitation