Tabbetha Dobbins, professor, dean of graduate studies and former vice president for research at Rowan University, is the recipient of the 2023 College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) Charles L. Hosler Alumni Scholar Medal for her efforts to elevate scientists and students.
The award, named for Charles L. Hosler, dean emeritus of the college and Penn State Distinguished Alumnus, honors alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the development of science through research, teaching or administrative leadership.
Dobbins said she was honored to receive the award from an institution that helped shape her successful career.
“Receiving the Hosler medal means so much to me. My Penn State roots in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences have fed the branches of my work today,” Dobbins said. “I continue to grow from interacting with the EMS and materials science and engineering department at Penn State. With each visit to serve on a committee at Penn State or receive an award, I learn best practices for supporting my current students. Following in the footsteps of those who received the Hosler Medal before me puts me into a network of extremely outstanding individuals.”
Nominators cited Dobbins’ commitment to advancing materials science research while elevating underrepresented individuals in her field. She earned her doctorate in materials science and engineering from Penn State in 2002.
Dobbins researches the relationship between structure and usage in composite materials. She relies on neutron and X-ray scattering techniques to understand materials at the micro and macro level. Nominators said the research is advancing materials for energy and biomedical applications.
At Rowan University, Dobbins leads and manages research and graduate program initiatives. Nominators said it’s led to collaborations between departments as well as other universities. She was also instrumental in establishing an alliopathic medical school at Rowan (as a member of the inaugural board) and supports research at the other medical at Rowan, an osteopathic medical school.
Nominators said Dobbins is a strong supporter of graduate students and their research endeavors. She’s active in placing graduate and research assistants at Rowan and other universities. Additionally, her involvement in the Office of Graduate Research Services as a donor and service on the materials science and engineering external advisory board at Penn State ensures that graduate students receive the necessary support and guidance during their research journey here as well.
Dobbins was praised for engaging high school students through National Science Foundation funded programs, particularly in underrepresented communities, further demonstrating her dedication to inspiring the next generations of scientists in STEM fields.
Dobbins was the recipient of the Penn State Alumni Achievement Award in 2007 and the National Science Foundation CAREER Award in 2009.
Dobbins earned her undergraduate degree in Physics at Lincoln University in 1993 and her master’s degree in materials science and engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 1995. She completed a Nuclear Regulatory Commission post-doctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2002-03.