Smith named director of Engineered Surfaces Center

The School of Engineering and Mines has named Charles H. Smith to be director of the school’s Engineered Surfaces Center, effective Nov. 15.

Smith earned his doctorate in materials science and engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his master’s in metallurgy from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

Heham EL-Rewini, dean of the School of Engineering and Mines, noted that Smith brings with him a wealth of experience in research, development and commercialization.

“I am delighted that Dr. Smith will be joining our Engineering leadership team as director of ESC,” EL-Rewini said. “I am confident that he will not only help move our current research forward but he will also lead the Engineered Surfaces Center to pursue new opportunities in new areas.”

In 2009, Smith co-founded Biotronics Inc, a MEMS (microelectromagnetic systems) start-up that is focused on commercializing cost effective MEMS transducers for harsh environments. Before that, he was vice president of operations at Meggitt Sensing Systems.

He held positions at General Electric and was director of business development and science & technology at PPG Industries. He also taught at California Miramar University.

Mike Mann, chair of Chemical Engineering, has been directing the center on an interim basis.