Zachary Holman, an accomplished faculty member at Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, has been appointed as the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation. With a specialization in materials science and engineering for solar cell technology, Holman has played a key role in expanding ASU’s research impact through collaborations with industry and academia. His innovative work has led to the founding of three successful start-ups in the United States.
Holman’s recent achievement includes securing a grant from NASA for his startup, Swift Coat, which developed a coating technology to prevent fogging in space helmets. Unlike traditional coatings that cause water droplets to impair vision, Holman’s invention ensures even and invisible spread, enhancing astronauts’ safety during missions.
In his new role as Vice Dean for Research and Innovation, Holman plans to leverage the Fulton platform to maximize research impact and foster industry collaborations. Recognizing the importance of partnerships in driving innovation, Holman aims to address significant challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Under the leadership of Kyle Squires, Dean of the Fulton School, Holman’s appointment signifies a bright future for research at ASU. Squires commended Holman’s ability to tackle research questions and engineer real-world solutions that have a tangible societal impact. As Associate Dean, Holman will lead efforts to enhance research efficiency and facilitate the translation of research into market solutions.
In his pursuit of excellence, Holman has outlined four key research impact themes for the Fulton School over the next five years. These themes include Technology-Enhanced Health and Medicine, Competitive Manufacturing in Advanced Economies, Climate Change Technology Solutions, and National and Economic Security. Each theme focuses on developing innovative technologies and processes to address pressing societal needs.
Driven by a vision to establish the Fulton School as a global leader in engineering research, Holman aims to empower faculty and students to create valuable research outcomes. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, Holman seeks to produce graduates who excel in academia, entrepreneurship, and technological innovation.
Sally C. Morton, Executive Vice President of ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise, expressed confidence in Holman’s leadership and vision for research at the Fulton School. Morton emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges, highlighting the transformative impact of Holman’s initiatives on solving pressing problems.
With a focus on research excellence and societal impact, Zachary Holman’s appointment as Associate Dean for Research and Innovation heralds a new era of innovation and collaboration at the Fulton School of Engineering.
