David Ford begins his role as head of the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering on Jan. 1, 2017. As head of chemical engineering, Ford will lead a department of 16 faculty members, around 20 full-time staff members and over 300 students.

"The College of Engineering is excited to welcome Dr. Ford," said John English, dean of engineering. "The Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering is full of talented researchers and educators, devoted staff and hard-working students. This department is on an upward trajectory, and I'm confident that Dr. Ford is the leader we need to build on its success."

Ford comes to the University of Arkansas from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he served as associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Engineering and a member of the chemical engineering faculty. Previously, he was on the chemical engineering faculty at Texas A&M University. He also has industry experience in the chemical and financial sectors.

"I am tremendously excited to be joining the department," said Ford. "The students, alumni, staff, and faculty are exceptional people, and I look forward to working with them to take the department to the next level."   

Ford earned a doctorate and a master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo. His research interests include statistical thermodynamics, simulation of molecular and colloidal systems and membrane separations for energy and the environment.