Michigan Molecular Institute (MMI), the former tenant of the St. Andrews faculty, was very focused on continuing education as part of its mission. This led to a steady stream of outside experts through the institute, including the visiting professor program, established in 1973 and renamed in 1981 as a living memorial to the late Dr. Turner J. Alfrey, Jr. Each year, a leading scientist is invited to teach a short course, visit sponsoring organizations, and deliver additional research seminars, benefiting many people by providing a point of connection between local scientists and engineers, with world leaders in the polymer science field.
Speakers from around the world have been invited to present the latest, most up-to-date information in their particular polymer expertise areas. Typically, these courses were delivered in an intensive, one-week, daily lecture format. Visiting professors also spent additional time at MMI, participating in one-on-one and research group discussions at the Institute, and in collaborations and discussions with other nearby industrial and academic researchers. They also prepared and delivered a set of on-site seminars for many of the sponsoring organizations that parallel and supplement the formal course lectures. Financial co-sponsors of the Turner J. Alfrey Visiting Professor program have included the Dow Chemical Company, Dow Corning Corporation, Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, Saginaw Valley State University, the Mid-Michigan Section of the Society of Plastics Engineers, and the Midland Section of the American Chemical Society.
Michigan State University and the St. Andrews’ staff are proud to continue the Turner J. Alfrey Visiting Professorship program and look forward to future events.
The list of Turner J. Alfrey Visiting Professors includes several Nobel Prize winners.
