Brent Nannenga, an associate professor of chemical engineering in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, is being recognized with an Early Career Impact Award from his alma mater, University of Washington. The award recognizes a graduate who has made significant contributions to engineering in industry, academia, government, or public or volunteer service within 15 years of receiving their degree.
“Brent was selected for this departmental award on the basis of his stellar achievements in research and teaching,” says Jim Pfaendtner, chemical engineering department chair and professor of chemistry at the University of Washington. “The drive and creativity he displayed as a graduate student in our department have been on full display during the first phase of his independent faculty career. We are so proud of his excellent work.”
Nannenga earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from ASU before pursuing his doctoral degree from the University of Washington. He credits the program for preparing him for success as a researcher and instructor at ASU.
“It was a really supportive environment. It was what I needed at that time in my life to really grow: awesome mentorship and top quality research,” he says. “I definitely don’t think I’d be here without the experiences I had at the University of Washington.”
Nannenga says his doctoral advisor, François Baneyx, vice provost for innovation and Charles W.H. Matthaei Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington, was particularly impactful.