Rogerson Endowed Professor empowers innovation and education
Michael Hickner is creating new materials at Michigan State University to improve energy and water technologies.
As the Craig A. Rogerson Endowed Professor in Chemical Engineering, he uses polymer science and materials to solve engineering problems by applying the tools of chemistry and chemical engineering.
“We’re interested in lots of different applications that used functional materials, such as advanced batteries and water purification,” he said. “We perform experiments and use data science techniques to predict new molecules that have high ionic conductivity. These new ionic materials can be used in a wide range of energy and water technologies.”
Hickner’s research group also works on new methods for 3D printing and creating hard ceramic materials from soft polymers. He is currently collaborating on a $4.5 million multi-university grant on high-performance ceramic 3D printing for hypersonic aerospace and defense applications. “Our collaborative work is bringing new polymers into this area of high-temperature materials,” Hickner said.
Advancing student success
Hickner’s greatest sense of pride at MSU is fostering “a dynamic learning environment that prepares the next generation of groundbreakers, problem solvers, and innovators.”
The Craig A. Rogerson Endowed Professorship in Chemical Engineering contributes to that in meaningful ways through the support of student wages and the purchase of necessary equipment and chemical supplies.
“Our most important outcome is helping students graduate and find a spot in the workforce, be it industry or academic work,” Hickner explained. “We’ve had success in terms of publications and disseminating information, but student learning and student graduation are what we are aiming for.”
Rogerson said MSU equips Spartans with the resources, experiences and knowledge to address the world’s challenges.
“The engineering curriculum at MSU develops that problem solving capability necessary for success in whatever discipline a graduate may decide to pursue,” he said. “I am proud to support, in some small way, Dr. Hickner’s work in helping students make their mark.”
Rogerson, of Sarasota, Florida, is the retired chairman and chief executive officer of Hexion Inc. and previously served as chairman, president and CEO of Chemtura Corp. He is regarded as an expert in the specialty chemicals and materials space.
A 1979 MSU graduate in chemical engineering, Rogerson serves on the MSU College of Engineering Alumni Board and the MSU Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Advisory Board. He received the Red Cedar Circle Alumni Award in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science in 2015.
“Craig Rogerson has done Michigan State an important service through his support of the College of Engineering. Faculty and student success are the hallmark of a great institution, and Craig is furthering that with his gift,” Hickner added.
More on Michael Hickner
Hickner came to MSU from Penn State University in 2023 to assume the Rogerson Endowed Professorship. His previous work at Penn State, and Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories helped him obtain 12 patents and co-author over 200 publications that have been cited more than 30,000 times.
Originally from Escanaba in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he has three chemical engineering degrees: a bachelor’s degree from Michigan Technological University, and master’s and doctoral degrees from Virginia Tech.
More on Craig Rogerson
Rogerson joined Hexion in July 2017 and retired as the chairman and chief executive officer in January 2023. Prior to joining Hexion, he served as chairman, president and CEO of Chemtura Corp. from 2008 - 2017. He also served as president and CEO and director of Hercules Inc. from 2003 -2008.
He joined Hercules in 1979 and served in several management positions before leaving the company in 1997 to serve as president and CEO of Wacker Silicones Corp. In May 2000, Rogerson rejoined Hercules and was named president of its BetzDearborn Division. He held a variety of senior management positions with the company including president of the FiberVisions and Pinova divisions, vice president of procurement, and COO.
Rogerson serves as independent chairman of PPL Corp., non-executive chairman of Oxea, and he is on the boards of Vibrantz Technologies Inc. and McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, where he chairs the finance committee.
He previously served on the boards of Ashland Global Holdings, Origin Materials, the American Chemistry Council, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and as chairman of the Society of Chemical Industry.
About endowed funds
Endowed professorships and chair positions are among the highest levels of faculty distinction. Endowed funds can provide support to faculty, students, and specific programs. They also help MSU build a base of highly regarded faculty who are considered leaders in research and teaching. To learn more about endowment support, contact the College of Engineering Advancement Office at GIVE.
Written by Patricia Mroczek