Melissa Grunlan is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University (TAMU) and Holder of the Charles H. and Bettye Barclay Professorship in Engineering, TAMU Presidential Impact Fellow, and TAMU Chancellor EDGES Fellow. She holds courtesy appointments in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering and the Department of Chemistry. Prof. Grunlan obtained a B.S. in Chemistry and M.S. in Polymers in Coatings from North Dakota State University and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Southern California. Her work is focused on the development of synthetic polymeric biomaterials for implanted medical devices and for regenerative engineering. She is a Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS; inducted 2019). Prof. Grunlan has a record of extensive service to the PMSE Division, including: Past Chair (2019), Chair (2018), Chair-Elect (2017), Vice Chair/Program Chair (2016), Secretary (2014-2015), and Member-at-Large (2013-2014).
As PMSE chair, she led efforts to create a budget plan, improve operations, and enhance communications and visibility. For the Fall 2018 National ACS Meeting (Boston), she proposed and co-organized the inaugural “PMSE Future Faculty Symposium” which has remained an annual event to recognize outstanding young investigators. Prior to that, Prof. Grunlan organized a number of PMSE symposia focused on polymeric biomaterials. She continues to serve the division as a member of the executive committee’s Young Polymer Scientist & Engineering Committee. Prof. Grunlan notes, “I am truly honored to receive this recognition. PMSE has afforded me tremendous opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to meet many wonderful colleagues.”
