Professor of Chemistry Steven Emory named as Interim Director of Western’s STS program

Western Washington University Professor of Chemistry Steven Emory has been named as the interim director of Western’s Scientific Technical Services (STS) program.

“Dr. Emory is an experienced and collaborative leader who understands the important role of University-level instrumentation and technical support services for enabling research and experiential teaching. He is exceptionally well-qualified, and I’m delighted he has agreed to serve in this role,” said David Patrick, Western's vice provost for Research.

Emory was previously the director of Western’s Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Center (AMSEC) and chaired the STS advisory council for the last several years. He has been a faculty member in the Chemistry Department since 2001 and is the 2018 recipient of WWU’s Peter J. Elich Excellence in Teaching Award. His research focuses on the development of ultrasensitive methods of chemical detection with applications in bioimaging and environmental science.

“STS provides outstanding support for teaching, research, and university activities across Western’s campus. It will be a privilege to serve Western and to work with STS’ dedicated staff,” Emory said. “I look forward to helping build on the solid foundation that has been established at STS.”

STS provides technical support and expertise to faculty, staff, and students for teaching and research involving advanced scientific instrumentation, as well as the design, fabrication, and repair of equipment. The program operates the University Instrument Center, which houses multi-user mass spectrometry and chromatography equipment, as well as Western’s electron microscopy facilities and the university shops.