Two CHEE superstars retire
(From left) Professor Reyes Sierra and Regents Professor Farhang Shadman
Long-time CHEE faculty Farhang Shadman and Reyes Sierra are retiring this summer. Together they bank 73 years of distinguished service and outstanding contributions to teaching and research.
Farhang Shadman
Shadman joined CHEE as an assistant professor in 1979, and Sierra was hired as an associate professor in 2001. Their influence will ripple far into the future by way of the dozens of graduate students and post-docs they advised – many of whom have gone on to professorships at major research universities and leadership positions in industry.
Shadman's foundational research focus is the application of chemical and environmental engineering in semiconductor manufacturing. The Engineering Research Center (ERC) is his crowning achievement. The University of Arizona and Shadman have managed the multi-institution and multidisciplinary program for 25 years. The center’s purpose has been to develop safe, sustainable materials and processes for semiconductor manufacturing and study nano-scale manufacturing solutions. Hundreds of researchers and groundbreaking projects were funded through the ERC.
Reyes Sierra
Sierra established the Field-Sierra research group with CHEE Professor Jim Field, another international leader in using environmental biotechnology to address hazardous contaminants, particularly by leveraging microorganisms for effective treatment solutions. She is renowned for her work on per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAs) remediation. These persistent industrial pollutants are causing widespread global concern due to their links to health effects and have been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as a national priority. The Field-Sierra research group has investigated and developed innovative technologies to reduce the risks PFAS pose to humans and the environment.
Shadman and Sierra have a long history of working together, beginning soon after she arrived, and continuing to this day.
"Reyes has been a key investigator for the ERC and one of my most trusted colleagues," said Shadman. "We both plan to stay involved with the department, and I’m looking forward to possible future work together."
Sierra and Shadman will continue to mentor faculty, co-advise students and support proposals that might benefit from their expertise. Shadman aims to complete his book "Chemical Process Simulation in Semiconductor Manufacturing," advise industry representatives, and offer expertise to colleagues working on the university’s NSF-funded Future of Semiconductors projects that introduce technologies to make semiconductors more energy-efficient.
The two look forward to spending more time with their families and having some fun. For Sierra that means long trips to Spain in the summer, hiking and mushroom hunting, and refining her pottery skills. Shadman plans family time with grandkids, reading about history topics, and playing his favorite instrument – the santoor, a hammer dulcimer.
Department Chair Kim Ogden said Shadman and Sierra have been superstars in helping CHEE fulfill its research, teaching and service missions.
"CHEE has been graced with the hard work and dedication of Reyes and Farhang for decades,” she said. “Our department would not have reached the level of success we enjoy without them."