Posted 9-1-00
CLEVELAND -- Robert Savinell has been appointed interim dean at Case Western Reserve University's Case School of Engineering, effective September 1. He will continue until a permanent successor is appointed for James Wagner, who assumes the post of CWRU provost and University vice president on that date.
Savinell is noted for his contributions in applied electrochemistry, with emphasis most recently on fuel cells and batteries. His research involves the study of electrochemical reactions in electrodes, and developing novel electrochemical devices for sensing and energy conversion. His CWRU research group has developed a prototype of a miniature fuel cell -- which is about the size of a quarter of a postage stamp -- for the U.S. Department of Defense. The fuel cell could provide power for microsystems technology like portable computers, night vision goggles, and navigation equipment.
Savinell joined the CWRU faculty in 1986. He was promoted to professor of chemical engineering in 1989, and since 1991 has served as director of the Yeager Center for Electrochemical Sciences. He has also served as the school's associate dean for research since 1998. Before joining CWRU, Savinell was associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Akron.
"Jim Wagner and I look forward to working with Bob in his interim role as dean, providing support to assist him and the faculty in continuing with the fine progress that the Case School of Engineering has made," said CWRU President David H. Auston.
Savinell received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Cleveland State University in 1973, and his M.S. in 1974 and Ph.D. in 1977 from the University of Pittsburgh.
As associate dean, Savinell has demonstrated his understanding of technology transfer, industrial relations, intellectual property rights, proposals, contract negotiation, and cost sharing. He has increased the efficiency of processing research proposals and developed policies and procedures for sharing costs.
He has been a major participant in local, state, and national policymaking that affects research enterprises, has strengthened interdepartmental research projects, and has expanded collaborations outside of the Case School of Engineering, focusing on intellectual property rights and the development of multiple agreements to facilitate contract negotiations with industry.
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