Christopher N. Bowman

Christopher N. Bowman is a Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, with joint appointments as a Clinical Professor of Restorative Dentistry. He holds the James M. & Catherine Patten Chair in Chemical Engineering and serves as Co-Director of the NSF Industry–University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Fundamentals and Applications of Photopolymerizations.

Dr. Bowman is an internationally recognized leader in polymer science, photopolymerization reaction engineering, and advanced functional materials. His work has had a profound impact on polymer chemistry, biomaterials, dental materials, and micro- and nanotechnology, bridging fundamental science with industrial and clinical applications.

He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the National Academy of Medicine, and has received numerous honors for research, education, and innovation.

Selected Honors and Awards

• Member, National Academy of Engineering (2021)
• Fellow, National Academy of Medicine (2018)
• ACS Roy W. Tess Award in Coatings (2018)
• Fellow, National Academy of Inventors (2017)
• Mark Scholar Award, ACS Division of Polymer Chemistry (2017)
• AIChE Professional Progress Award (2011)
• AIChE Allan P. Colburn Award (2001)
• Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (1998)
• Materials Research Society Outstanding Young Investigator Award (1997)
• Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (1996)

Technical Lecture

• Time/Date: 11 AM, March 5, 2026
• Location: 321 EB
• Title: Photopolymerization Reaction Engineering: From Fundamental Mechanisms to Advanced Materials
• Abstract: Photopolymerization reactions underpin a wide range of modern materials, from coatings and adhesives to biomaterials, dental restoratives, and micro- and nanoscale devices. This lecture will explore the fundamental mechanisms governing photopolymerization kinetics and network formation, emphasizing the role of reaction engineering in controlling polymer structure and properties. Examples will highlight recent advances in thiol-X and living radical photopolymerizations, dynamic and reprocessable polymer networks, and structure–property relationships that enable next-generation functional materials.

Public Lecture

• Time/Date: 4 PM, March 5, 2026
• Location: 321 MSRB
• Title: Innovation at the Intersection of Polymers, Biomaterials, and Society
• Abstract: Advances in polymer science have transformed technologies ranging from everyday consumer products to life-changing biomedical and dental applications. This public lecture will highlight how fundamental discoveries in polymer chemistry and photopolymerizations translate into real-world impact, drawing on examples from biomaterials, microfluidic systems, and sustainable materials. Dr. Bowman will also discuss lessons learned from academia–industry partnerships and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving innovation.

Visiting BYU

For a map of campus see map.byu.edu. Visitor parking can be identified by clicking Parking. Click Buildings to locate the Engineering Building (EB for Technical Lecture) and the MSRB (for the Public Lecture). It is not possible to park adjacent to the buildings where the lectures are held.

Izatt Christensen Award and Lectures

In 2007, Reid Izatt created an endowment at Brigham Young University to invite an eminent scientist or engineer from the worldwide community to present two lectures to the combined Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Chemical Engineering. The lectures include one more technical in nature for faculty and students and a second more universal in nature for the general public.

The Reed M. Izatt and James J. Christensen lecturers include:

• J. Fraser Stoddart (15–16 November 2007)
• Gabor A. Somorjai (21–22 January 2009)
• George M. Whitesides (3–4 November 2009)
• Robert Byron Bird (17–18 November 2010)
• Richard N. Zare (7–8 February 2012)
• Robert Langer (6–7 February 2013)
• Mario Capecchi (23–24 January 2014)
• Alexis T. Bell (19 March 2015)
• R. Graham Cooks (20–21 March 2017)
• Franklin Orr (19–20 October 2017)
• Geraldine L. Richmond (26–27 February 2019)
• Thomas F. Edgar (19–20 February 2020)
• Juan J. de Pablo (16 February 2023)
• Frances Ligler (12–13 March 2024)
• Nicholas Peppas (13–14 March 2024)
• Glenn Fredrickson (6 February 2025)
• Christopher N. Bowman (5 March 2026)