Mayer moves over to Purdue

Purdue University has hired Theresa Mayer (pictured), currently vice-president for research and innovation at Virginia Tech, to become its executive vice-president for research and partnerships from August 1.
Mayer replaces Suresh Garimella who is leaving Purdue to lead University of Vermont as president at the end of June.
The job is Mayer’s second stint at the university – she previously worked as a graduate research assistant at Purdue from 1988 until 1993, having completed a PhD in electrical engineering.
Mayer joined Virginia Tech in 2016, taking responsibility for the institution’s tech transfer program, as well as oversight of research activities, industry partnerships, sponsored programs and compliance operation. Mayer also holds an academic appointment at Virginia Tech as professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Mayer had previously spent more than two decades at Pennsylvania State University, joining in 1994 as an assistant professor of electrical engineering before becoming associate director of the university’s Materials Research Institute, and then associate dean for research and innovation at the College of Engineering.
While at Penn State, Mayer also directed the university’s branch of US government-owned research agency National Science Foundation’s National Nanotechnology Infrastructure.
Mayer said: “The critical role that leading global research universities play in changing the world for the better has never been greater.
“I am thrilled and honored to return to Purdue to serve as the next executive vice-president for research and partnerships at this critical time for public land-grant universities. “