Thomas M. Truskett, Ph.D.

Thomas Truskett, professor and chair of the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, has been named a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS). Nominated by the Topical Group on Soft Matter, Truskett was cited for “pioneering work elucidating how nanoscale interfaces impact the structure, dynamics and self-assembly of complex fluids and biomolecular systems.”

Truskett’s research studies how interfaces and confinement impact the properties of molecular liquids and crystals, colloidal and nanoparticle suspensions, protein solutions and glassy solids. His recent work focuses on three fundamental areas—self-assembly at the nanoscale, dynamics of confined liquids and structural arrest of complex fluids, which are important for applications ranging from biomedical imaging, for example noninvasive monitoring of tumors, to the delivery of therapeutic proteins to treat a wide range of diseases, including allergies, cancer and more.

“Professor Truskett’s intellectual abilities, background, originality of thought, research talent, dedication, accomplishments and character set him apart from other researchers in his field,” Dr. Doros Theodorou, professor of materials science and engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, said. “His research is unusually creative and resourceful, and his presentations are always thought-provoking and stimulating.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) has announced the pending induction of Thomas M. Truskett, Ph.D., Les and Sherri Stuewer Endowed Professor, Department Chair, and Bill L. Stanley Leadership Chair, McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, to its College of Fellows. Dr. Truskett was nominated, reviewed, and elected by peers and members of the College of Fellows For exceptional contributions to understanding of protein structure, biotherapeutics and self assembly, and for seminal theoretical contributions.

Thomas Truskett, department chair and the Les and Sherri Stuewer Endowed Professor, has been elected to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering’s (AIMBE) College of Fellows. Nominated by their peers, Fellows represent the top two percent of the most accomplished medical and biological engineers leading medical discovery and innovation.

Truskett was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the understanding of protein structure, biotherapeutics and self-assembly, and for seminal theoretical contributions. His related work has lead to advances in the storage and delivery of therapeutic proteins to improve treatments for cancer and other diseases.

Truskett was joined by alumna Laura Suggs, B.S. ChE ‘93, who was one of four UT Austin biomedical engineering (BME) professors also elected AIMBE Fellows this year. Professors Andrew Dunn, Pengyu Ren, and James Tunnell were also recognized from BME.