Dr. Joseph Graves has been named Interim Dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Graves began serving as the chief academic and administrative officer for the collaborative academic unit between N.C. A&T and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro last month.

“Dr. Graves’ experience and his commitment to advancing research at JSNN give him the preparation and insight to lead JSNN as we relaunch our national search for a permanent dean,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Beryl McEwen.

Graves has co-authored more than 90 articles that have appeared in peer-reviewed publications and secured research funding of nearly $17 million during his tenure at North Carolina A&T.

Last year, he was named by US Black Engineer magazine and the 15-member Council of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Engineering Deans as one of the  Innovators of the Year. Graves was part of the first group of researchers from HBCUs to be recognized for their innovation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at the 32nd annual BEYA STEM Conference.

Prior to this appointment, Graves served as a professor of nanoengineering and the associate dean for research at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) for eight years. Before JSNN, he was a professor of biological sciences and the dean of University Studies.

JSNN builds upon the strengths of both universities to offer innovative, cross-disciplinary graduate programs in the emerging areas of nanoscience and nanoengineering.