Ed Clausen, professor of chemical engineering, has been named interim head of the Ralph E. Martin department of chemical engineering in the College of Engineering. As interim department head, Clausen will hold the Ralph E. Martin Leadership Chair.

Clausen holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree and a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He has 18 patents and over 600 technical publications and presentations to his credit. A register professional engineer, Clausen is a member of American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Chemical Society and the American Society for Engineering Education. He is a member of the Teaching Academy of the University of Arkansas, and has been recognized nationally for outstanding teaching and mentoring. Clausen has served as associate department head since 2008 and as director of the engineering honors program since 2009.

“I am very pleased that Dr. Clausen has agreed to take on this role,” said John English, dean of the College of Engineering. “He is a dedicated and talented educator and researcher and I know he will help the department continue to achieve great things.”

Tom Spicer, Distinguished Professor and holder of the Maurice E. Barker Endowed Chair in Chemical Process Safety and the Environmental Fate of Chemicals, will serve as interim associate department head.