UC Engineering Professor Represents UC at HERS 2016 Summer Institute

Chia-Chi Ho, chemical engineering professor in the

University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science

(CEAS)

Department of Biomedical, Chemical and Environmental Engineering

, was selected to represent UC at the

Higher Education Resource Services (HERS) 2016 Summer Institute

at the University of Denver from June 13-25, 2016.

Since 1978, the HERS Institute for Women in Higher Education has annually offered women faculty and administrators the opportunity to participate in an intensive program that prepares them to be leaders in higher education. Participants selected for this year’s HERS cohort represent institutions across the U.S. Topics studied include The Financial Environment in Higher Education, Managing and Leading Change, New Partnerships and New Pathways, Mapping Your Leadership Development, and Diversity and Inclusion.

Chia-Chi Ho has been at the College of Engineering and Applied Science since 2001, serving first as a tenure-track assistant professor and was promoted to professor in 2014. She was previously a visiting scientist at Harvard University in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

Ho’s research is primarily centered on: (1) Microsystems for Biological Studies and (2) Bioseparations Using Membranes. In fact, she established the CEAS research program for membrane separations and microsystems-based biotechnology. These programs integrate research in the graduate and undergraduate curriculum through a set of new courses in bioengineering that better prepares students to contribute to the rapidly growing fields of biotechnology and life science.

What many don’t know about Ho is that she also has a passion for advocating for higher education and forming partnership with legislators, alumni, governor, industry, board members, and the community. As the chair of the University of Cincinnati’s Senate Budget and Priorities Committee, Ho is building a roadmap to help faculty members communicate with leaders in industry and the community to facilitate their contributions to UC and higher education.

Ho has given 42 invited talks at universities and corporations in addition to 72 presentations, submitting proposals to federal and private institutions, and mentoring 43 students in independent research.  Sponsors of Ho’s projects include the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health. Her research has been highlighted in the science section of "The New York Times" and "Chemical Engineering News," among many others.

Her recent achievements include: Executive Leadership in Academic Technology and Engineering (ELATE) Fellow (2014-2015); Outstanding Research Professor (2012-2013); Fulbright Scholar selected 2011-2012); and nominee for the Mrs. A.B. Dolly Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching (2009).

Acceptance in the HERS Institute program is highly competitive, and results from an in-depth application process. “It is truly an honor to represent the University of Cincinnati at the 2016 HERS Summer Institute. This is yet another example of UC's commitment to excellence and inclusive environment and is just one of the many success stories in faculty development,” reflects Ho.

For more information about HERS, visit

www.hersnet.org

.