Department of Mechanical Engineering

Brown named Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering

 

Robert C. Brown, Bergles Professor in Thermal Science, Iowa Farm Bureau director of the Bioeconomy Institute, director of the Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies, and professor of mechanical engineering, chemical and biological engineering, and agricultural and biosystems engineering, has been awarded the title Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering.

College of Engineering departmentsnominate faculty for this award to recognize those who have demonstrated exemplary performance in research and/or creative activities as reflected by a national or international reputation in engineering. In addition, a distinguished professor must demonstrate outstanding performance in at least one of the following areas of faculty responsibility: teaching and advising, extension/professional practice, or institutional service. Brown’s new title also acknowledges Anson Marston, the first dean of the College of Engineering at Iowa State.

“Dr. Brown is a brilliant researcher, as well as a wonderful mentor for his students,” said James Bernard, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor of Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering. “He has influenced the profession through his research efforts, and his guidance to students is an important asset that also leaves an imprint on the field.”

Bernard was chair of the mechanical engineering department when Brown was hired in 1983 and has enjoyed seeing him succeed in all aspects of his career at Iowa State. “When he isn’t working in a lab, meeting with a student, or sitting on a committee, Dr. Brown is writing a proposal or paper that will in some way shape the future of our profession.”

Brown’s many influences on engineering are rooted in his interest in biorenewables. He is the founding director of the Bioeconomy Institute, an initiative that coordinates research, educational, and outreach activities related to biobased products and bioenergy. As the director, Brown helps develop interdisciplinary programs that explore areas beyond his own focus, such as biomass fermentation; production technology; and harvest, store, and transport processes. His interdisciplinary interests are reflected by his courtesy appointments in chemical and biological engineering and agricultural and biosystems engineering.

He is also the director forthe Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies, which seeks to promote, develop, and demonstrate thermochemical technologies for the production of fuels, chemicals, and power from biomass and fossil fuels. Brown oversees a group of technical staff working on research projects related to the center’s mission and purpose.

“Dr. Brown’s research dedicated to turning biomass into usable products will continue to make a difference in developing a sustainable society,” Bernard said.

Brown has published more than 100 refereed papers, and he and his collaborators have received almost $60 million in research funding during his career.He is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering, a Distinguished Iowa Scientist of the Iowa Academy of Science, and the 2002 recipient of the David R. Boylan Eminent Faculty Award for Research at Iowa State.He received an R&D 100 Award from R&D Magazine in 1997.

In 2007, Brown began serving as the principal investigator on an eight-year, $22.5-million research partnership with ConocoPhillips to study biofuels.

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