Dr. Emmanuel Giannelis stands as a preeminent leader in advanced materials research and translational engineering innovation with a distinguished career spanning multiple decades at Cornell University. He currently holds the prestigious Walter R. Read Professorship of Engineering while serving as Director of Engineering Innovations in Medicine, a pioneering collaboration between Cornell Engineering and Weill Cornell Medicine that bridges engineering principles with medical applications. With a strong academic foundation including a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Athens and a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Michigan State University, Dr. Giannelis has established himself as a transformative figure in materials science through strategic leadership roles including Vice President for Research and Innovation and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education in Cornell's College of Engineering. His career trajectory reflects a consistent commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research while fostering technology commercialization and economic development initiatives that leverage academic discoveries for societal benefit.
Dr. Giannelis's research group has earned international recognition as one of the leading authorities in nanohybrids and nanocomposites, with groundbreaking contributions that have expanded from fundamental emulsion science to address pressing global challenges in energy, biomedicine, and environmental sustainability. His innovative work on specially engineered nanoparticles capable of withstanding extreme conditions has enabled transformative applications including CO₂ storage solutions and advanced remediation techniques for nanoplastics and perfluorinated compounds, commonly known as forever chemicals. The practical impact of his research extends beyond academic publications, with over 150 papers and 10 patents demonstrating his commitment to translating scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that address critical environmental and health challenges. His citation metrics reflect significant scholarly influence, with recognition as one of the top 25 most cited authors in nanotechnology by the Information Sciences Institute.
Beyond his laboratory achievements, Dr. Giannelis has demonstrated exceptional leadership in building research ecosystems that connect academia, industry, and government agencies to accelerate innovation and technology transfer. As Co-Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory Regional Network for the Mid-Atlantic region, he has forged strategic partnerships that enhance national security research capabilities while providing valuable opportunities for students and researchers. His commitment to mentorship is evident through his guidance of numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to establish their own successful careers across academia and industry. Currently, Dr. Giannelis continues to push the boundaries of nanomaterials science while expanding the impact of Engineering Innovations in Medicine, ensuring that Cornell remains at the forefront of translational research that transforms scientific discoveries into practical applications that improve human health and environmental sustainability.
