Former Texas A&M Fellow Secures Faculty Position at Louisiana Tech

Dr. Kevin Nixon, a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, has transitioned to a faculty role at Louisiana Tech University as an assistant professor. His appointment, effective from September 2023, follows his experience as a graduate teaching fellow at Texas A&M, where he taught a junior-level chemical engineering course.

During his fellowship, Nixon collaborated closely with faculty members, navigating the challenges of teaching approximately 100 students in a single class. “Being able to work as a teaching fellow in the chemical engineering department was a wonderful opportunity,” Nixon noted. He emphasized how the experience of developing lectures, designing homework, and holding office hours solidified his aspiration to pursue a career in academia.

Nixon’s research at Texas A&M focused on synthesizing and characterizing novel ion-conducting polymers aimed at enhancing electrochemical applications. He plans to build on this foundation at Louisiana Tech by investigating unique ion-conducting block copolymers, particularly for fuel cells. “Part of my current work is motivated by my experience at Texas A&M with ion-conducting block copolymers for lithium-ion batteries during my Ph.D. research,” he explained.

The shift from linear to star-shaped polymer architectures was a key focus of his doctoral studies. In his new independent lab, Nixon aims to explore innovative ion-conducting star block copolymer chemistries that could advance the field of electrochemical energy devices.

Looking ahead, Nixon is excited about the potential to broaden his research interests. “That’s one of the cool things about being in academia,” he said. “Reflecting on my mentors’ careers, their paths have evolved significantly over time. The opportunity to pivot into new and intriguing areas of research is very exciting.”

Nixon’s journey illustrates the vital role that graduate fellowships play in shaping the careers of emerging academics. His commitment to education and research not only highlights his personal growth but also reflects the ongoing contributions of Texas A&M University to the academic community.