The University of Kentucky Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering is pleased to announce the appointment of J. Todd Hastings, Ph.D. as associate dean for research and graduate studies, effective July 1, 2025.
A highly accomplished researcher, educator and academic leader, Hastings brings more than two decades of experience at UK and a track record of advancing engineering science and innovation. He is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering with a joint appointment in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, a Lighthouse Beacon Foundation Eminent Scholar and a University Research Professor. He is also director of the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering and co-director of Kentucky Multiscale, part of the National Science Foundation’s National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure.
As associate dean for research and graduate studies, Hastings will oversee strategic initiatives to expand the college’s research portfolio and enhance graduate education and student success. He will lead efforts to support faculty in securing sponsored research funding, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and develop programs that prepare graduate students to become leaders in academia, industry and government.
“Todd’s impressive record of scientific achievement, discovery and leadership, in addition to his service to the college and university, makes him an excellent choice to lead us this vital area,” said Rudy Buchheit, Dr. Rebecca Burchett Liebert Dean of the Pigman College of Engineering. “He has a strongly collaborative research style and has leveraged this approach to expand his research endeavors into biomedical sensing, energy, data storage and communications.
Hastings’ research interests span nanoscale photonic and magnetic devices, nanomanufacturing, and their applications in sensing, energy, and unconventional computing. He has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed journal articles, delivered over 100 conference presentations and invited talks, and holds seven U.S. patents. His work has been supported by more than $30 million in research awards, including federal, state, foundation and industry funding. Hastings has served as principal investigator on over half of these awards.
Hastings is a recipient of both the NSF CAREER award and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Young Faculty Award, and has been recognized with the College of Engineering Excellence in Research award and University Research Professorship. He also co-founded IOPtic, Inc., a medical device startup focused on vision technologies.
In addition to his research and administrative roles, Hastings has mentored over 50 undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral researchers and has made significant contributions to curriculum development in electrical engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Science in physics from Centre College.
“One of the most exciting aspects of engineering research is bringing together people with wide ranging technical backgrounds to address difficult challenges,” said Hastings. “As associate dean, I look forward to facilitating these collaborations within the Pigman College of Engineering and with our partners throughout the University of Kentucky and across the Commonwealth.”
Hastings succeeds John Balk, Ph.D., who will be serving UK Research as Associate Vice President for Research Development and Support.
