Marc Christensen Appointed Dean Of Engineering School

Marc Christensen, a nationally recognized leader in photonics – the science and technology of light – has been named dean of SMU’s Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering. He has served as interim dean in the Lyle School since July 1, 2012.
“Dr. Christensen has set a strong example of collaborative leadership, innovative research and commitment to students since he began his career at the Lyle School in 2002,” said President R. Gerald Turner. “He is well-equipped to lead the Lyle School as it continues its rise to prominence.”
Christensen will continue as the engineering school’s Bobby B. Lyle Professor of Engineering Innovation and as a research professor in the Department of Physics in SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.
“SMU-Lyle is making a difference – preparing our students to be innovative leaders, engaging them in our classrooms, our research labs and our community,” Christensen said.
Christensen received his Bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from Cornell University and his Master’s degree in electrical engineering and his Ph.D. in electrical computer engineering from George Mason University. He also is a graduate of the Harvard Institutes for Higher Education Management Development Program.
Christensen is a recognized leader in mapping photonic technology onto varied applications. In 2007, the federal Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) identified him as a “rising star in microsystems research” and selected him to be one of the first DARPA Young Faculty Award recipients.
Joining SMU in 2002, Christensen served as chair of the Electrical Engineering Department from 2007-12. He received SMU’s Gerald J. Ford Research Fellowship in 2008 and the Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor Award in 2011.