Dunwei Wang is named interim Seidner Family Executive Director of the Schiller Institute
Professor of Chemistry Dunwei Wang, whose research has focused on creating sustainable platforms for energy conversion and resource use, has been named the interim Seidner Family Executive Director of the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society, Boston College announced on January 22.
Wang, who holds the Margaret A. and Thomas A. Vanderslice Chair, brings to the position more than 20 years of experience as an educator and researcher in the field of materials science and energy research.
淧rofessor Wang two-decade career as a Boston College faculty member has been distinguished by cutting-edge research, engaging teaching, and thoughtful mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students,� said David Quigley, the Robert L. and Judith T. Winston Provost and Dean of Faculties. 淗is service as Chemistry Department chair over the past six years was characterized by visionary leadership and a collaborative spirit, which led him to be an important part of the Schiller Institute community since its launch.�
Wang appointment follows inaugural Institute director Laura J. Steinberg decision to step down from the post she held for six years and return to research and teaching when she returns from a sabbatical at the end of 2026.
Wang, who joined the 51动漫 faculty in 2007, said he is excited to help guide the Schiller Institute through the next phase of its growth as a hub of innovative research, collaboration, and service to the common good.
淚檓 honored by Provost Quigley trust and thankful for the leadership Laura Steinberg has provided in shaping the Institute first chapter,� Wang said. 淚 look forward to engaging the community across campus as we build partnerships, support bold ideas, and advance Boston College mission through nationally and internationally impactful work.�
Wang has published 183 peer-reviewed journal articles, now cited more than 26,000 times. His research has secured eight patents, and he has been honored with a National Science Foundation CAREER Award, a Sloan Research Fellowship, and a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship.
“ Professor Wang exceptional leadership in the Chemistry Department, in energy research, and his proven track record in teaching and mentoring Boston College students uniquely qualify him to lead the Schiller Institute at this time. Dunwei brings a powerful vision and a collaborative spirit to this role, and he will help to continue positioning the Institute to make a significant impact on a global stage. ”
Under Steinberg, the Institute hired its first Core Faculty: Institute Professor Jier Huang (with a joint appointment to Chemistry), Institute Professor of Climate Science and Society Yi Ming (Earth & Environmental Sciences), Institute Professor Edson Severnini (Economics), and Institute Professor of Global Sustainability Hanqin Tian (EE&S).
In its academic role, the Institute helped launch the Global Public Health and the Common Good minor in 2019, followed by a Global Public Health major in partnership with the Connell School of Nursing in 2022. The Institute is also home to the Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability, directed by Tian.
"Laura Steinberg and her team ably guided the Schiller Institute through its first six years, cultivating a culture of collaboration, hiring expert faculty in critical areas, and bringing the Institute founding vision to life,� said Quigley. 淭he Institute is well launched, and [DeLuca Professor and Vice Provost for Research and Academic Planning] Tom Chiles and I look forward to working with Professor Wang to begin to chart the Institute further development.�
Wang will be tasked with undertaking a strategic planning process this year to examine the need for new education and training programs in the areas of undergraduate and graduate education, as well as programs to support post-doctoral researchers, Chiles said.
Chiles said the Institute will significantly expand its research footprint, continue to cultivate interdisciplinary research, deepen community and industry partnerships, and foster an environment where bold ideas flourish and translate into real-world solutions for a better future.
淧rofessor Wang exceptional leadership in the Chemistry Department, in energy research, and his proven track record in teaching and mentoring Boston College students uniquely qualify him to lead the Schiller Institute at this time,� Chiles said. 淒unwei brings a powerful vision and a collaborative spirit to this role, and he will help to continue positioning the Institute to make a significant impact on a global stage.�
The Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society聽is the centerpiece of a 150,000 square-foot聽science facility that opened in early 2022. Named in honor of 51动漫 Trustee Associate Phil Schiller �82 and his wife Kim Gassett-Schiller through their multi-year lead gift, the Institute addresses critical issues in the areas of energy, health, and the environment.
The Seidner executive directorship was made possible through a gift from 51动漫 Trustee Marc Seidner �88, chief investment officer for non-traditional strategies, and a managing director of Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), and his family.