Mary Gilliam, Ph.D.

As part of her role as Chemical Engineering faculty, Dr. Gilliam has implemented a research program around atmospheric plasma processing, the development of protective and functional coatings and coating systems, and enabling lightweight materials for a variety of applications. All projects are applied in nature with consideration of translation to industry for production in applications including automotive materials, battery components, biomedical devices, particle technology, composites, batteries, control of volatile emissions, and more. Research work includes development of industrializable plasma processes, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) processing, creating new formulations as coating precursors, tailoring the properties of the coatings based on desired performance, modeling emissions of volatile components from materials, and more. Investigations focus on process characterization, as well as evaluating the relationships between coating chemistry and properties on the performance, such as UV-blocking, scratch and abrasion resistance, corrosion protection, dielectric properties, wettability, chemical resistance, and more.

As an instructor, Dr. Gilliam aims to give students a solid foundation in chemical engineering and build the skills that will give them confidence to face the challenges they will encounter in their careers. She believes a strong curriculum that includes material that is very relevant to today’s industrial climate produces high-performing students and prepares students for success and leadership in industry. She has found through her professional experience that critical capabilities include knowledge of core fundamentals, application of theory to practice, skills in modern engineering tools and techniques, innovative problem-solving, engineering design and optimization, and constant awareness of safety and environmental impact.