USM’s Patton Selected as Vice Chair of the Division of Polymer Chemistry, Inc.

Fri, 01/12/2024 - 11:07am | By: Ivonne Kawas

Dr. Derek Patton, director of the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), has been selected as the vice chair of the Division of Polymer Chemistry, Inc. (POLY) for a three-year term starting this month.

POLY, a non-profit technical division of the American Chemical Society, has thousands of members from around the globe who are interested in the synthesis, characterization, and application of polymers to advance society and meet global needs. It regularly hosts workshops, supports symposia, manages awards, and facilitates education and training in the field of polymer chemistry, nationally and internationally. 

Dr. Patton's association with POLY spans over 23 years, beginning as a graduate student and evolving through various roles including treasurer of the division, faculty advisor for the POLY/PMSE student chapter at Southern Miss, and as a symposium organizer. His long-term engagement in the polymer science community and active participation in POLY have been instrumental in his professional journey.

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Patton remarked, “I am deeply honored to serve as the Vice Chair of the Division of Polymer Chemistry, Inc. (POLY), and to work alongside a remarkable group of volunteers from other universities, industries, and federal agencies. The dedication and expertise of these volunteers are the driving force behind the division, shaping the future of polymer science and making substantial contributions to how our global polymer community connects and engages. Their commitment inspires me, and I look forward to contributing to our collective efforts in advancing the field.”

“My involvement began more than two decades ago with an invitation to a POLY board meeting as a graduate student,” said Dr. Patton. “My PhD advisor simply suggested that attending the meeting would be good for exposure to the community and for networking. This early exposure provided valuable insights into the POLY mission and the extensive benefits of being an active division member.”

Dr. Patton’s tenure as vice chair will support the development of the current and upcoming generation of polymer scientists by focusing on the three key areas identified within POLY’s strategic plan: engaging its diverse membership, enriching its educational/career development resources, and enhancing communication strategies.

“As a professor, supporting the development of students and early-career polymer scientists specifically resonates with me. These groups are crucial for the long-term vitality of our field. Therefore, I am particularly interested in initiatives that directly facilitate their career advancement, including mentorship and exposure to diverse career paths, networking, and scientific storytelling.”

Dr. Patton notes that it is also within these early career groups where they can find opportunities to enhance diversity and grow the division’s efforts in inclusivity.

Dr. Patton earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Jacksonville State University, and later pursued an M.S. at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Ph.D. at the University of Houston, mentored by Dr. Rigoberto Advincula. In 2006, he extended his expertise as an NRC Postdoctoral Fellow at NIST working alongside Dr. Kathryn Beers in the Polymers Division.

In 2008, he joined USM’s faculty, where he has received several honors including the NSF CAREER Award, Graduate School Mentor of the Year, and POLY Fellow. Dr. Patton’s research team has contributed over 80 peer-reviewed publications and has secured one U.S. patent in the area of polymer synthesis, functional surfaces, and degradable and sustainable polymer materials.