Professor honored with endowed chair in physics

Kirby Messinger kmessing@tulane.edu
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Wayne F. Reed, founder of the Center for Polymer Reaction Monitoring and Characterization at Tulane University, was invested as the second holder of the Murchison-Mallory Chair in Physics at the Tulane School of Science and Engineering on Nov. 22.

Wayne Reed

“I have high hopes for what we can accomplish in science,” says Wayne F. Reed, at the investiture ceremony for the Murchison-Mallory Chair in Physics. (Photo by Sabree Hill)

In 2007, Reed started the nonprofit research and development center, which is devoted to polymerization reaction monitoring. The center has quickly become the global leader in its highly focused but widely applicable field. Reed recently established a spin-off company, Advanced Polymer Monitoring Technologies, which gives industry experience to students through internships and design projects.

The Murchison-Mallory Chair in Physics was established by a gift from Dr. Meredith “Ace” Mallory in honor of his late wife, Patricia Ann Murchison. Mallory earned a medical degree from Tulane in 1944. A doctor, businessman, scientist, philanthropist and lifelong family man, Mallory's love for his alma mater was apparent throughout his lifetime.

At the ceremony, provost Michael Bernstein said, “I feel honored to celebrate Wayne in this very important moment in his career. The awarding of an endowed chair is the recognition of an excellent career and remarkable accomplishments.”

Reed joined the Tulane physics faculty in 1985 after completing his doctoral degree in physics at Clarkson University. At Tulane, Reed's research has concentrated on experimental macromolecular and colloid science with a particular focus on electrically charged polymers or polyelectrolytes.

Reed's work has appeared in numerous publications, was the subject of presentations at international conferences and is supported by numerous federal and state grants. His research has led to several patents that have been licensed by the private sector.

At the ceremony, Reed described his current research activities and discussed the future of scientific innovation and applications.

“I am so grateful to work at Tulane. The institution is upholding the true meaning of academic freedom,” Reed said.