Distinguished researcher Jennifer “Jenny” Andrew, Ph.D., will serve as the inaugural Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering announced this month.
Andrew is the Margaret A. Ross Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering. She has secured over $8.5M in research funding, published over 50 papers, and holds five patents and disclosures, including two licensing agreements.
Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, as well as other industry leaders and foundations. Notably, she led a $1.4 million NSF Scalable Nanomanufacturing program in collaboration with faculty in the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Chemical Engineering. She currently serves as the deputy director of the Multifunctional Integrated Systems Technology (MIST) Center, an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center.
Andrew is most excited about collaborating with faculty, staff, and stakeholders across the college and university to reduce research barriers by developing and enhancing resources that empower success at all career levels.
“I am passionate about creating and refining resources that make it easier for all of us to reach our research goals, Andrew said. “I am also looking forward to learning more about the specific challenges we each face in our different disciplines, listen to the needs of our community, and find ways to improve our success. And, of course, I look forward to discovering more about the incredible research happening throughout the college and contributing to its growth and success.”
In her down time, Andrew is an avid distance runner, specifically ultra-running – distances longer than 26.2 miles. When asked about applying the discipline she employs in running to her new role, Andrew reflected on Des Linden, an American marathon champion: “Keep Showing Up.”
“In running and research, there are days when everything clicks and flows effortlessly, and days when nothing seems to go right—a grant doesn’t come through or a paper is rejected. But by showing up each day, putting in the effort, and staying committed, I know I am laying the groundwork for long-term success,” Andrew said. “Whether it’s getting to the finish line of a race or uncovering a critical piece of data, the discipline to keep going, even on tough days, is what ultimately leads to success.”
Andrew earned her bachelor’s in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University and her doctorate in Materials from the University of California, Santa Barbara, followed by a University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego.
Learn more about Andrew:
What do you like best about being at the University of Florida and specifically at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering?
What I like best about being at the University of Florida, and specifically within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, is the incredible breadth and depth of expertise across so many fields. The size of UF and the college creates endless possibilities for collaboration and innovation, as we’re surrounded by experts in a wide range of disciplines. This environment makes it possible to tackle ambitious challenges and achieve things together that wouldn’t be possible alone.
What project are you most proud of at UF?
One of the projects that I am most proud of, and that also drove my interest in this role, was serving as PI (Primary Investigator) on a major multi-investigator center proposal focused on materials research. For over a year, I worked with faculty, staff, and stakeholders across the university to put together a strong proposal, and though we ultimately weren’t successful, we made it pretty far in the process. I am proud of what we accomplished and learned, and how we came together as a team to work towards a shared ambitious goal.
What is your favorite piece of pop culture and why?
Ha! My friends would tell you I’m hopeless when it comes to pop culture. But if I had to pick, I’d choose Dolly Parton. She’s more than just an incredible performer and songwriter, she’s a savvy businesswoman and a remarkable philanthropist who gives a lot back to her community and has even supported scientific initiatives through her generosity.
Tell us something about yourself most people do not know.
Well, one thing a lot of folks don’t know is that I am a twin. Unfortunately, not identical so I can’t swap my twin sister in for any tough meetings.