Eric William Kaler

Noted researcher in the experimental study of complex fluids, and simultaneously, high-level university administrator, now president emeritus of the University of Minnesota-a rare combination of scientific and academic leadership. Eric W. Kaler became the 11th president of Case Western Reserve University on July 1, 2021. As a scientist, work opened new approaches to the study of surfactant mixtures, especially those containing oppositely charged surfactants. Particularly important are his discovery of new vesicle structures, development of small-angle scattering methods, study of microemulsion polymerization, and his exploration of the rheological properties of worm-like micellar solutions. Work is well-cited by others, and is recognized by many awards and honors, including election to the National Academy of Engineering. As head of one of the nation's largest research universities, he led in successfully re-engaging the support of the state in order to freeze undergraduate tuition while also funding substantial new research initiatives.