Lehigh University and MARPG to host 2025 Educational Symposium celebrating 50 years of polymer science excellence

Bethlehem, PA — Lehigh University and the Mid Atlantic Rubber and Plastics Group (MARPG) have announced a special joint event to mark a significant milestone in the field of polymer science and engineering. The 2025 MARPG Educational Symposium will take place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Lehigh University’s Iacocca Hall, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Lehigh’s Polymer Science & Engineering (PSE) Department.

This full-day symposium is open to members, non-members, and students, with both in-person and remote attendance options available. The event promises a dynamic lineup of speakers, networking opportunities, and a special retirement celebration for Professor Raymond Pearson.

Doors will open at 8:30 AM, with a light breakfast and registration, followed by opening remarks at 9:00 AM from Lehigh President Joseph Helble and Professor Raymond Pearson, who will reflect on the department’s 50-year legacy. Joe Martin, Chairperson of MARPG, and Evan Silo, Vice-Chairperson, will introduce the organization.

The morning sessions will begin at 9:30 AM with a keynote by Mohamed El-Aasser, who will discuss the history, key milestones, and future directions of polymer science and engineering. Zach Zacharia will follow with a presentation on how today’s supply chain is impacting the elastomer and plastics industry. Pat Carroll from Greene Tweed will then speak on analytical tools for troubleshooting elastomer issues. The morning will conclude with a recognition of emeritus members’ contributions to MARPG and brief introductions by MARPG corporate members.

A catered recognition lunch and networking session will take place from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. At 12:40 PM, Provost Nathan Urban will offer remarks to open the afternoon session, followed by a video highlighting PSE alumni and current students.

Afternoon sessions will begin at 1:00 PM with a keynote by John Rogers from Northwestern University, focusing on research and innovation. This will be followed by a presentation from ARDL on failure analysis, a session by MARPG (speaker to be determined), and a talk by PSE alum Bridgitte Budhall, the newly appointed Chair of the Plastics Engineering Department at UMass Lowell. The symposium will conclude with closing remarks at 3:45 PM and a short coffee break and networking session.

From 4:00 to 5:00 PM, attendees are invited to a retirement celebration and farewell reception for Professor Raymond Pearson. The event will feature speeches and toasts from colleagues, students, and friends, along with light refreshments and opportunities for photos and mingling.

Registration costs for in-person attendance are $80 for MARPG members and $85 for non-members. Remote attendance is available at $10 for members of ACS, the Rubber Division, or MARPG, and $15 for non-members.

This symposium offers a unique opportunity for professionals, academics, and students to engage with leaders in polymer science and engineering, reflect on five decades of innovation, and look ahead to the future of the industry.

Registration to open soon.