Michael Jaffe, PhD, is an expert in materials science, biomaterials and high performance polymers. Prior to joining NJIT in 1998, he was a Research Fellow with Hoechst Celanese, which he joined upon completion of his doctorate in chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1967.

At Hoechst, Jaffe was highly involved with the invention and commercialization of many products including polyester tire cords--the plastics that reinforce tires and liquid crystalline polymers (LCP). LCPs are versatile high performance materials used in computers, communications and micro-communications as well as in high-strength ropes and cables used to anchor oil drilling platforms.

In 1998, Jaffe left Hoechst Celanese and turned his attention to examining biomaterials designed for in-vivo use as well as integrating the biological and physical sciences. He was named professor at NJIT, became director of the Medical Device Concept Laboratory, Newark, and continued his research interactions with the New Jersey Center for Biomaterials, a statewide research consortium.

Jaffe is active with the National Research Council, is currently a member of the Army Research Board and was a member of the National Materials Advisory Board) from 1990 to 2000. He has been named a National Associate of the National Research Council.  He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Fellow of the American Chemical Society (Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering), a Fellow of the North American Thermal Analysis Society and a Fellow of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.  He is a recipient of the NJ Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award in 1995 and 2010. He has authored more than 75 technical publications, 18 book chapters and 17 patents.

Last update: March 12, 2012