Department of Chemistry’s Judy Riffle honored with emerita status by Board of Visitors

Judy Riffle, professor of chemistry in the Virginia Tech College of Science and former director of the interdisciplinary macromolecular science and engineering Ph.D. education program, has been conferred the title of professor emerita by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emerita title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1988, Riffle made significant contributions to polymer science in the fields of biomaterials for drug delivery, polymer composites for defense and aerospace, and separation membranes for water purification and gas separations. Her research has led to the development of materials used in heart transplants, arterial grafts, and contact lenses.

In 2010, Riffle was named a Fellow of the American Chemical Society. She supported the society in almost every capacity, including as national chair and vice-chair, national programming chair, and national workshop chair.

In the classroom, Riffle taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses ranging across all levels in the chemistry, macromolecular science and engineering, and graduate school curriculum. She served as the major professor to advise students on 64 master’s degree and doctoral dissertations.

In the New River Valley community, Riffle served as a summer mentor for middle school students for 15 years. Riffle received her bachelor’s degree in textiles in 1973 and a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1981, both from Virginia Tech.

Related story

Inaugural College of Science Dean’s Discovery Fund provides support for faculty research

Chemistry's Judy Riffle recognized for diversity contributions