Professor Pat Morris

Patricia Morris, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ohio State University

 Associate Professor, Materials Science and Engineering

Fontana Laboratories

 

Education

I grew up in Zanesville, Ohio. I went to Ohio State and got a B.S. degree in Ceramic Engineering. It was during this time that I had a professor who told me about graduate school, and I decided to get my PhD. I went to MIT in 1980 and got my Ph.D. in Ceramics in Materials Science and Engineering. After earning my Ph.D., I went to Bell Communications Research in Red Bank, NJ, where I worked on optics and superconductors for two years.

I spent the next 17 years at Central Research and Development at DuPont in Wilmington, DE. While at DuPont, I worked on nonlinear optics, photocatalysis and sensors. More or less, I have worked on optical and/or electrical oxide materials during my entire career. Since joining The Ohio State University in 2005, I have primarily worked on chemical sensors to detect gases, which are either for automotive, environmental or health applications. I have also been very involved in working to understand the underlying mechanisms which control the sensor materials' behavior.

Areas of interest

  • General MSE
  • Ceramic material
  • Electronic materials
  • Processing/manufacturing
  • Energy applications

Area of expertise

  • Functional materials

Approach to diversity and inclusivity

When I was at DuPont, I had a team of employees develop a half-day diversity training course that had to be taken by everyone in Central Research and Development. We also developed a mentoring program for the department. This really changed the culture! This was back in 1989 when the culture was much different.

My philosophy about inclusivity has always been to recognize everyone as an individual with their own talents and culture. I have met a lot of people from different cultures and backgrounds during my life and appreciate everything that I have learned from each of them.

You might not know

I live in Pickerington, OH, with my mother and cat, Tasha. I have one son and 2 grandchildren. Will is 12 and likes lacrosse, football, basketball and swimming. Emily is 9 and likes soccer, lacrosse, basketball and swimming. They are very active and love sports. I love reading history, cooking and taking walks. I have traveled a lot for my work and enjoy seeing new places. In 2020, my family was going to Alaska, but had to cancel due to COVID. I love Ohio State football!