Short Bio Sketch

Dr. Wicks is the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation Professor of Polymer Science in the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. Dr. Wicks received his BSc degree in Chemistry from North Dakota State University and his PhD in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst under Dr. David Tirrell. His current research interests focus on development of new resins for coatings applications, use of High Throughput Screening for studying formulations and the investigation of additives for waterborne and high-solids coating systems. Dr. Wicks also heads a National Science Foundation Partnership for Innovation project on the use of High Throughput methods for the investigation of polymeric formulations. Prior to joining the University of Southern Mississippi in 2002, he was at Bayer Corporation for 13 years in a succession of research positions of increasing responsibility. His final position at Bayer Corp. was as Vice President for Research of the Coatings and Colorants Division. Dr. Wicks has 32 patents and 21 publications related to polyurethane technologies for coatings, adhesives and sealants. During the last 10 years at Bayer Dr. Wicks was actively involved in all aspects of product development for the coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers markets.