Lydia Kisley, Assistant Professor, Departments of Physics & Chemistry

Innovator of the Year: Early Career

Lydia Kisley
Assistant Professor of Physics

Six years ago, Lydia Kisley was recognized as one of the “brightest young innovators and game changers” by Forbes in its “30 Under 30” list. Now, she’s being recognized as one of Case Western Reserve’s Innovators of the Year—specifically for early career (pre-tenure) faculty.

Kisley constructs purpose-built optical microscopes to understand materials at the ultimate concentration limit of a single molecule. By understanding the molecular and nanoscale behavior, she aims to inform material design.

Her research has included partnerships with industry, such as Lubrizol, 3M and Regis Technologies, and her work has been published in top scientific journals, including Nature Communications and Journal of the American Chemical Society.

She recently received the Cottrell Scholar Award, honoring outstanding teacher-scholars who are recognized by their scientific communities for the quality and innovation of their research programs and their potential for academic leadership. 

“Dr. Kisley’s research accomplishments are nothing short of stunning,” her nominator wrote, “and they demonstrate over and over again her innovative genius.”

As seen in The Daily – Watch: Case Western Reserve University Celebrates Innovation Week and Six to Earn Innovator of the Year Awards