John Leonard Anderson

Anderson was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1992 for his contributions to the understanding of colloidal hydrodynamics and membrane transport phenomena. He is recognized for his work on theories for electokinetic transport of particles and fluids in charged media, which have influenced technological advances in microfluidics and particle manipulation by electric fields. His research in membrane science led to advances in the separation of molecules based on their size via dialysis and ultrafiltration. As the dean of engineering at Carnegie Mellon University he directed major initiatives in education and faculty diversification.  As the president of Illinois Institute of Technology he elevated the expectations of excellence among students, faculty and staff; enhanced fundraising and alumni relations; and he achieved alignment of budget with strategic goals. He was a presidential appointment to the National Science Board during 2014-20, and he served as president of the National Academy of Engineering during 2019-25. He is currently emeritus professor of chemical engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology.