Karen Winey ’85, an alumna and former member of the Cornell Department of Materials Science and Engineering Advisory Council, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
Winey, who is the Harold Pender Professor of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania, was elected for contributions to understanding and advancing polymer nanocomposites and ion-containing polymers, according to a Feb. 10 announcement by the academy.
“Karen is a role model for me and so many others through her fundamental polymer research and her leadership in the scientific community,” said Lara Estroff, chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. “As a member of our departmental Advisory Council, she was instrumental in helping me as a new chair and she continues to give back to the Cornell community through her service. We are so proud of her.”
Winey’s research focuses on ion-containing polymers, polymer upcycling and sustainability, and polymer nanocomposites. Her work combines polymer design with advanced characterization to reveal structure–property relationships that improve proton and ion transport.
She also leads a research project to convert polyolefins into higher-value plastics, and studies polymer nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes and metal nanowires to enhance mechanical, thermal and electrical performance. Her latest research involves nanoparticle diffusion in homopolymers and electrochemical devices, integrating experiments with simulation and theory.
Winey called her election to the National Academy of Engineering an honor, reflecting that her undergraduate research experiences at Cornell helped shape an early and lasting passion for engineering.
“I was hooked on the thrill of discovery from the start,” Winey said. “Cornell and Cornell Engineering taught me how to think thoroughly about complex problems. It’s fun and very satisfying when you solve a problem.”
Winey holds 21 patents and has published over 250 papers, according to her profile. She has numerous recognitions including the 2020 AIChE Braskem Award and the 2023 ACS Polymer Chemistry Award. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
With her election, Winey joins her Cornell classmate Linda Schadler ’85 as a member of the academy. Schadler, who is interim provost and senior vice president at the University of Vermont, was elected in 2025.
“I’m grateful to all my students, postdocs and collaborators who have contributed their time, talent, creativity and perseverance to striving for excellence in our research,” Winey said.