Meet 2023 Iman Award recipient James H. Edgar
Many modern technologies and innovations that we take for granted today started small:
- A spark of an idea.
- A question that demanded to be answered.
- A surprise discovery that opened a door to new possibilities.
The process of research often isn’t a straight path to be easily followed, but rather
an adventure of exploration. K-State is proud of its rich tradition of research and
discovery, with faculty members who are working to create a better life for Kansans
and beyond.
The K-State Alumni Association is honoring one of these enterprising faculty researchers
— James H. Edgar — with the 2023-2024 Iman Outstanding Faculty Award for Research.
Introduced in 2007, the annual Dr. Ron and Rae Iman Outstanding Faculty Awards are
sponsored by the K-State Alumni Association and are made possible through the generosity
of Ron ’62, ’70, ’73 and former student Rae Iman. The awards honor two outstanding
Kansas State University faculty members, one for research and one for teaching, and
include a $5,000 stipend.
Over the years, the Iman Outstanding Faculty Award for Research has recognized faculty
members who have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession and who have
contributed significantly through research to improve the betterment of the educational
experience, or whose research has had a significant impact on their area of study.
According to the university, “Edgar entered the research field of wide band gap semiconductors in its infancy.
Since then, the field has grown from a topic of interest to a handful of researchers
into several multi-billion-dollar businesses, including high energy efficiency light
emitting diodes for general illumination and energy-saving power electronics. This
technological revolution has been made possible through advancements in material quality.”
We asked Edgar — who currently serves as a university distinguished professor and
Tom H. Barrett University Faculty Chair in Chemical Engineering in the Tim Taylor
Department of Chemical Engineering — to share some of his career highlights and K-State
experiences.
At K-State: What are your thoughts on receiving this award?
James H. Edgar: I am impressed with the Imans’ generosity. K-State is very fortunate to have alumni like the Imans. Their encouragement means a lot to me. Although my name may be on this award, what I’ve accomplished really comes from a group effort, with contributions from many students and collaborators. I’m glad to see their hard work recognized by this award.
What are some of your career highlights?
I have been fortunate to work with many outstanding student researchers. Their enthusiasm
for discovering new phenomena, their problem-solving ingenuity, and ability to develop
new technologies impresses and inspires me. It’s a thrill when they say, “Dr. Edgar,
you’ve got to come to the lab to see this!” Witnessing students mature and develop
their own ideas, far beyond what I had imagined, gives me great pleasure. I am proud
of what my students have accomplished at K-State and in their subsequent careers.
To meet and work with some of the heroes in my research field I’ve admired has been
a highlight.
To think of a new research project and to find the support to realize that project
is a great privilege. When that work inspires others, it is wonderful.
What do you enjoy most about working at K-State?
I appreciated the support and opportunities that K-State gives all students, regardless of their backgrounds. The students, faculty and staff at K-State are the best! I’ve learned so much from them. They make working at K-State professionally gratifying and fun.