Announcing new dean for Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering

Giuseppe R. Palmese, Ph.D., will join Rowan University as the next dean of the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, effective Sept. 1, 2021.

Formerly interim dean of Drexel University’s College of Engineering and longtime head of its Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Palmese is a distinguished university professor of chemical engineering and the first George B. Francis Professor of Engineering at Drexel in Philadelphia, where he has served on the faculty since 2000. He is also professor of materials science and engineering by courtesy. 

Rowan University Provost Tony Lowman, Ph.D., said the university’s search committee sought a dynamic leader whose background includes deep research experience, a commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and a focus on innovation and practical entrepreneurial applications. 

“We believe Dr. Palmese will further build our reputation for preparing work-ready engineers equipped with practical, hands-on experience,” said Lowman. “He understands the importance of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial mindset in engineering education, as well as the leadership necessary to manage rapid growth with careful planning. I have no doubt that he will help us further build on Mr. Henry Rowan’s investment and vision for our engineering college.” 

Palmese said he is looking forward to joining Rowan University and applying his experience, vision and leadership skills as the engineering college’s next dean to build upon the college's resounding success of the past 25 years.

“The rapid pace of innovation makes this an exhilarating time to be an engineer,” Palmese said. “Rowan University can build on its excellence in developing technically prepared graduates in an affordable and accessible way, and leverage the importance of engineering colleges to our society in order to fulfill its potential as an economic driver for New Jersey and the region.” 

At Drexel, Palmese developed a vibrant research program and led projects with more than $25 million in grant funding, including a U.S. Army Materials Center of Excellence in polymers. Palmese has received funding from agencies including the Army Research Laboratory, the Army Research Office, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, NASA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation and various industry partners.  

His research on polymers and composites emphasizes their functionality and sustainability. Over the course of his career, he has authored more than 130 journal articles, five book chapters and more than 100 proceedings. He is inventor on 20 U.S.-issued patents. He has mentored 23 doctoral students to graduation, as well as 22 master’s students and more than 100 undergraduate students.

During his 12 years as department head, Palmese oversaw tremendous growth in Drexel’s Chemical and Biological Engineering Department. Undergraduate enrollment more than doubled, seven new faculty members were hired and the graduate program flourished with more Ph.D. graduates obtaining degrees under his leadership than the sum over all previous years. 

Born in the United States to immigrants from Italy, Palmese spent his early childhood in Argentina and extended periods living in Italy and is fluent in three languages. 

Palmese earned his Bachelor of Science in engineering degree from Princeton University and his doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware. After graduation, he worked as a research scientist at the Center for Composite Materials at the University of Delaware and led his family’s small business before joining Drexel as an associate professor. 

Stephanie Farrell, Ph.D., who has served as the college’s interim dean since 2019, will return to head the college’s Experiential Engineering Education Department where she will continue to drive innovation in engineering education.