Alumni Lecture – Robert G. Bryant ’85, ’19H

Tuesday, October 26, 7 p.m. – Harre Union, Ballroom C (Core 110 & 115 approved)

Robert Bryant ’85, ’19H earned a bachelor of science in chemistry and an honorary doctorate in science from Valparaiso University. He also earned a master of science and Ph.D. from The Polymer Institute at the University of Akron. Robert started his career at The Polymer Institute at the University of Akron in 1985 as a NASA graduate student research fellow. In 1990, he was hired by NASA Langley Research Center as a civil servant, where he has held research, management, and supervisory positions. His research areas include aerospace composites, adhesives, polymer synthesis, smart materials, and materials for space vehicles. Robert holds more than 40 U.S. and foreign patents; more than 25 licenses for several inventions; and has more than 100 technical publications, including several encyclopedia chapters. He has been an invited speaker at technical conferences and universities and has given keynote talks at U.S. and international industry meetings. He is a recognized international expert on materials and Langley’s appointed subject matter expert for materials. Throughout his career, Robert has received numerous awards including 60 NASA Certificates of Recognition, 1993-2005; Medal of Exceptional Achievement 1997; Government Invention of the Year 2007; Technology Transfer Lifetime Achievement Award 2013; Director’s Award for Creativity and Innovation, 2014; and The Bo Walkley Best Research Publication Award in 2017. Robert also has 26 issued patents, has authored or co-authored approximately 60 papers, and has given lectures and talks to many audiences. His scientific discoveries have been applied to life saving devices for the treatment of heart irregularities for which he was inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame in 2016. He also serves on numerous professional committees and organizations within the technical community. Robert also gives back by serving as a research advisor/mentor for over 40 students from graduate level to gifted high school scholars. Robert was an Eagle Scout in 1977 and he now is a charter member and usher at the King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. He also returns to Valpo as a guest speaker sharing his knowledge with chemistry students and has sponsored and mentored many Valpo students. Robert says that “Valpo was a turning point for him, it is where he found Christ, his wife and where I looked in the mirror.” He and his wife, Joy Crosmer’85 Bryant, currently live in Lightfoot, Virginia.