Innovative Researcher McLemore

Georgia Southern national research visibility has risen another notch as noted researcher Don McLemore has joined the University as Research Professor, Department of Chemistry and Director, Office of Industry Relations and Economic Development.

He has had extensive private sector experience in chemical research and business development.

“During my career, I have had the opportunity to engage in research that has included polymers used in artificial hearts, stealthy aircraft, construction materials, automotive products, micro- and macro-electronics, high performance composites, ballistic protection, energy management, adhesives and coatings,” said McLemore.

“In recent years, I’ve had the opportunity to use my experience in polymers to help industrial and financial organizations understand some of the complexities of bio-energy based on the fact that the structure and composition of renewable biomass are derived from their polymeric molecules.”

McLemore’s three primary research areas at present are biomass-derived materials, biofuels and structure-property-chemistry relationships in rigid-rod polymers.

“Don McLemore is a proven creator, implementer and manager of new business initiatives and we are excited to have him join Georgia Southern University,” said Charles Patterson, vice president for research and dean of the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies. “As Georgia Southern continues to expand its research activity, Don will be a great addition. Our goal is to draw additional industrial research projects and economic development opportunities to our campus.”