February 28, 2024
Expert
Exponent group vice president and principal engineer honored for accomplishments in materials science
The U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has elected Exponent Group Vice President & Principal Engineer Maureen Reitman, Sc.D., P.E., FSPE, to its ranks.
Dr. Reitman joins a class of 114 new members and 21 new international members to the NAE, which honors scientists and engineers for their outstanding contributions to "engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature" and to "the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education."
Dr. Reitman is being recognized individually "for understanding the selection, performance, and durability of polymeric materials in consumer, medical, and industrial applications."
Dr. Reitman holds degrees in materials science, with expertise in polymer and composite technology; the mechanics of materials; adhesion science; fiber mechanics; the development of specialized test methods to characterize materials and systems; the history and technology of plastic; and material failure analysis. She uses her skills and experience to help clients create, evaluate, and improve products and processes by addressing aspects of major impact to the commercial product lifecycle, such as materials selection, end-use testing, service life prediction, failure analysis, certification procedures, and issues related to intellectual property. Dr. Reitman works in partnership with suppliers, product developers, consumers, academic and government groups, attorneys, and standards organizations to develop insights and solutions that promote a safer, healthier, more sustainable world.
"Dr. Reitman's election to the NAE not only recognizes her professional accomplishments and leadership during her career but also serves to underscore Exponent's core values and commitment to scientific excellence, objectivity, and professional development," said Exponent President & Chief Executive Officer Catherine Corrigan, Ph.D. "Dr. Reitman was part of the NAE's Frontiers of Engineering (FOE) program, which helps to accelerate the potential of scientists and engineers. I and several other Exponent engineers are also FOE alumni, and I am thrilled to now welcome Maureen to the NAE."
Dr. Reitman joined Exponent in 2002 and became a principal engineer in 2006. She was appointed Corporate Vice President in 2014 and promoted to Group Vice President of Polymers, Materials Chemistry & Biomedical in 2020. In 2023, her role as Group Vice President expanded to include Health Sciences. Before Exponent, Dr. Reitman worked for the 3M Company in both research and management roles.
"Throughout my career, from the students and professors at MIT, to the researchers and leaders at 3M, to the colleagues who I work with at Exponent, I have been surrounded by excellence in engineering, which has enabled me to contribute to science and engineering and society in ways I never could have imagined," Dr. Reitman said. "The NAE is a community of excellence, of people focused on bringing the best to our country. I am honored and excited about what this means for how I can continue to serve."
Dr. Reitman is the fourth NAE member currently in Exponent's ranks. She joins the academy alongside Dr. Corrigan; Senior Fellow & Principal Scientist Ronald Latanision, Ph.D.; and Corporate Vice President & Principal Engineer Robert Caligiuri, Ph.D., P.E., FASM.
About the National Academy of Engineering
The NAE is one of three national academies — along with the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine — striving to advance the nation's well-being by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and by marshalling the expertise and insight of eminent engineers to advise the federal government on engineering and technology matters.
The organization's more than 2,000 national and international peer-elected members come from business, academia, and government and provide leadership and expertise for projects focusing on relationships between engineering, technology, and quality of life.
Read the NAE's full announcement about Dr. Reitman here.
Learn more about Dr. Reitman here.
