Jame E. MGrath is renowned researcher who has also been a key author and educator in the field of polymer science. He co-authored six books on block polymers and polymerization technology as well as more than 100 important technical papers.

Dr. McGrath holds a B.S. from St. Bernadine of Siena College and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Akron.

McGrath worked for producers of plastic raw materials, including Rayonier and Goodyear, as a reserach scientist involved in polymer synthesis, characterization, and stabilization. While at Union Carbide from 1967 to 1975, his activities extended into processing technology, including the extrusion of polyethylene pipe and blow molding of polyolefins, technical service, and introduction of new products.

After nearly two decades working as a research scientist developing new polymers and processing techniques, McGrath joined Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) and State Univeristy as a professor.

Currently Director of the National Science Foundation Science & Technology Center at VPI, Dr. McGrath also serves as the Ethyl Chaired Professor of Chemistry and Co-Director of the Polymeer Materials and Interface Laboratory. In addition to his duties as a professor, his contributions include:

Co-authorship or editing of six books on block copolymers, polymerization technology, organisiloxane copolymers, and polyamides, as well as more than 100 technical papers.
Development of the first experimental, nationally offered short courses in polymer chemistry: Polymer Chemistry: Principles and Practice; Polymer Synthesis: Fundamentals and Technique; and Characterization of Polymers.
Extra-university education courses for polymer scientists at major corporations and courses for undergraduate teachers in macro-molecular chemistry and engineering.

In 1987, Dr. McGrath received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Plastics Research from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE). He was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 1997.

See: Jame's E. McGrath website