Kiely serves as the Harold B. Chambers Senior Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Lehigh University. His innovative work over several decades in the realm of TEM imaging and spectroscopy has garnered him an international reputation, placing him at the forefront of microanalysis research. This award, which honors senior scientists for their sustained technical contributions, underscores his commitment and excellence in the field. Notably, the announcement was made during the plenary session of the Microscopy and Microanalysis (M&M) 2025 meeting in Salt Lake City, further amplifying the significance of this recognition within the scientific community.

His pioneering research has spanned across critical topics, including advanced aberration-corrected analytical electron microscopy (AC-AEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and the complex interactions of various nanoscale materials. Kiely’s specialized focus on catalyst material characterization holds substantial implications for future technologies, particularly in the realms of energy conversion and storage. By leveraging his comprehensive understanding of nanostructures and their interactions, he has contributed to significant advancements in biomaterials, quantum dot technologies, and carbonaceous materials, enhancing the potential for novel applications.

Through his role as the director of the Materials Characterization Facility at Lehigh, Kiely has not only contributed to research but also to education in microscopy. His leadership of the Lehigh Microscopy School from 2004 to 2024 stands testament to his dedication to training the next generation of scientists and engineers. The school has developed a reputation for excellence, providing students and professionals alike with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the fast-evolving field of microscopy. This merging of educational pursuits with cutting-edge research has significantly enriched the community and the broader field of materials science.

Kiely’s expansive career has produced over 350 journal articles and 220 conference papers, showcasing the depth and breadth of his research endeavors. His collaborations extend internationally, particularly with the Cardiff Catalysis Institute in the United Kingdom. This collaboration has enabled fruitful exchanges of ideas and methodologies, thereby enhancing research capabilities on both sides of the Atlantic. The volume and impact of his publications demonstrate not only his active engagement with the global scientific community but also his influence over emerging scientific paradigms in microanalysis and materials characterization.

In 2020, Kiely was honored with the title of Fellow of the Microanalysis Society, further solidifying his status as a leader in the field. This accolade is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to scientific knowledge and understanding within the microanalysis community. Through both his academic achievements and his active participation in professional societies, Kiely has established a legacy that will inspire future researchers to build upon the solid foundation he has helped to create.

Colleagues describe Kiely as an embodiment of the impact that Lehigh University has had on materials science and microanalysis. Dr. Ricardo H.R. Castro, Professor and Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, emphasized that Kiely’s enduring contributions to research and education have carved a long-lasting impression in the scientific landscape, motivating subsequent cohorts of microscopists. This recognition not only reflects his dedication but also the collaborative spirit of the research community at Lehigh.

As the field of materials science continues to evolve, leaders like Kiely will play pivotal roles in pushing the boundaries of what is possible with advanced microscopy techniques. The future of catalyst development, nanotechnology, and materials innovation is intrinsically linked to the capabilities of researchers like Kiely, who are dedicated to unlocking the potential of materials at the atomic and molecular levels.

Looking ahead, Kiely expresses deep gratitude for this recognition. He acknowledges the vital roles played by his colleagues, students, and myriad collaborators who have joined him in this ongoing journey of inquiry and discovery. Their shared dedication to exploring the intricacies of materials science embodies the collaborative ethos essential for groundbreaking advancements in research and education.

In conclusion, the selection of Christopher J. Kiely for the Presidential Science Award heralds a significant recognition not only of his individual achievements but also of the thriving research environment fostered at Lehigh University. As he continues his work in materials science and engineering, the implications of Kiely’s research will likely reverberate through the scientific community, inspiring future innovations that have the potential to transform how we understand and utilize materials.

Subject of Research: Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy and its Applications in Materials Science
Article Title: Christopher J. Kiely Receives 2025 Microanalysis Society Presidential Science Award
News Publication Date: October 2023
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Image Credits: Courtesy of Lehigh University

Keywords

Materials science, Microscopy, Electron microscopy, Nanotechnology, Catalysis, Spectroscopy, Imaging, Scientific conferences, Scientific associations.

Dailey’s particular nomination stems from her significant contributions in the domain of orthopedics and biomedical engineering, focusing on the innovative development of a virtual mechanical test designed to early identify nonunions in bone healing. Nonunion, a term referring to the failure of fractured bones to unite correctly, occurs in roughly ten percent of shinbone fractures, presenting patients with substantial health risks that include high levels of depression and prolonged opioid use. By effectively detecting these potential complications much earlier in the healing process, Dailey’s research stands to enable timely surgical interventions that can vastly improve patient outcomes.

Her groundbreaking research at the intersection of mechanical and biomedical engineering illustrates an exemplary model of interdisciplinary collaboration. The challenges that nonunions present are not merely mechanical but involve complex biological processes, necessitating a sophisticated understanding of both the engineering principles and the biological environment surrounding bone healing. By integrating computational approaches with biomechanical insights, Dailey is contributing to a body of knowledge that bridges multiple scientific disciplines, ultimately aiming to enhance the standards of patient care in orthopedics.

Being one among nearly 400 awardees, Dailey represents a cadre of scientists and engineers that are employed or funded by various prestigious agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and notably, the National Science Foundation (NSF). For the 2024 recognition, NSF nominated 111 individuals, of which Dailey is one of just 31 awardees from their Engineering Directorate. This statistic not only emphasizes the competitive nature of the award but also highlights the importance of innovative research that aligns with national interests in science and technology.

Dailey’s research prowess was also recognized previously when she received the NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award in 2020, an honor that is often seen as a precursor to greater achievements in academia. Her CAREER project focuses on the multiscale mechanical characterization of bone fracture healing—a subject that is crucial not only to medical experts but also to engineers like herself who seek to develop robust, evidence-based solutions to medical challenges. Such dedication to impactful research marks a defining characteristic of her career trajectory, as Dailey continually seeks to forge new pathways and methodologies in both engineering and medical fields.

In the words of Steve DeWeerth, professor and dean of the Rossin College, Professor Dailey’s contributions are nothing short of inspiring. He remarks on the exceptional quality of her work, affirming that the PECASE award aptly underscores not just her individual talents but also the culture of interdisciplinary innovation thriving within Lehigh. This recognition will likely enhance her visibility as a leader in both academia and the scientific community, allowing her to further champion research initiatives that combine engineering principles with life sciences.

Professor Dailey’s academic journey has been extensive and illustrious, starting even before she became an undergraduate at Lehigh University. Her pursuit of knowledge has taken her across the globe, including a significant postdoctoral experience in Ireland, before returning to Lehigh to spearhead the Dailey Ortho Lab. This lab reflects her commitment to applying engineering solutions to clinical problems, specifically in orthopedics, and boasts collaborations with surgeon-investigators across various international hospitals.

Within the scope of her research group, Dailey emphasizes imaging-driven engineering approaches that tackle pressing clinical issues prevalent in orthopedic practice. This ensures that her work not only remains theoretical but translates into practical applications that can significantly enhance the quality of patient care. Her publications in esteemed journals such as the Journal of Biomechanics and Clinical Biomechanics exemplify the rigorous, high-quality research that is being undertaken in her lab, contributing towards building a sophisticated understanding of biomechanics.

Moreover, Dailey also contributes to the commercial aspect of her field as the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of OrthoXel, DAC. This orthopaedic device firm originated from technology developed during her postdoctoral research at the prestigious Cork Institute of Technology. The venture illustrates her commitment to translating academic research into viable clinical solutions, highlighting her role as both an educator and a business leader in the field of medical devices.

For Dailey, receiving the PECASE award is not merely a personal triumph; it represents an encapsulation of her journey in engineering and the collaborative spirit that is deeply embedded in scientific pursuits. She expresses her gratitude not only to the NSF for supporting her research endeavors but also to Lehigh University for providing an environment conducive to exploring innovative ideas. Her advocacy for continued support in the academic and engineering communities will surely resonate with aspiring researchers navigating similar paths.

The PECASE awards, established to recognize notable contributions in various scientific fields, acknowledge the vital roles that scientists and engineers can play in addressing societal challenges. Reflective of her multidisciplinary approach, Dailey joins an elite group of Lehigh faculty such as Shalinee Kishore and John N. DuPont, who have previously received the same honor. Together, they exemplify the institution’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking talent and research that aligns with national priorities in engineering and technology.

As Hannah Dailey continues her work in evolving the field of orthopedic engineering and advancing methods of detecting and addressing complications in bone healing, her story resonates as a powerful example of how early career scientists can transform their fields through dedication and innovative research. Her contributions will undoubtedly inspire many future engineers and biomedical scientists to pursue interdisciplinary approaches, thereby making lasting impacts on public health and safety.

In conclusion, the recognition of Hannah Dailey through the Presidential Early Career Award serves as a testament to her significant endeavors in the realm of engineering and medicine. As she continues to innovate and inspire, her work will likely pave the way for advancements that not only improve clinical outcomes for patients but also enrich the scientific community as a whole.

Subject of Research: Early detection of nonunions in bone healing
Article Title: Honor Recognizes Innovative Contributions of Lehigh University Professor Hannah Dailey
News Publication Date: October 2023
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Image Credits: Christa Neu/Lehigh University

Keywords: Hannah Dailey, Presidential Early Career Award, PECASE, orthopedics, biomedical engineering, bone healing, nonunion, mechanical engineering, interdisciplinary research, NSF, Lehigh University.