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The role of polymers in environmental issues was an ongoing theme in Prof. Mayes’ research. A major development was “baroplastics,” a plastic that becomes soft under high pressure, thus allowing recycling with less energy expended and without thermal degradation of the material. Early on, she pioneered research in energy storage using block copolymers in a lithium polymer battery. Other major research projects were in water filtration and biomaterials. Her research accomplishments were recognized with awards from her peers: in 1998, she was the first woman to receive the MRS Outstanding Young Investigator Award; in 1999, she was awarded the prestigious John H. Dillon Medal from the American Physical Society Division of High Polymer Physics for “her unique combination of theoretical and experimental insight into polymer self-organization”; and in Spring 2006, she became the first woman recipient of the Carl S. Marvel Creative Polymer Chemistry Award. Just last yearIn 2011, she was named a POLY Fellow by the ACS Division of Polymer Chemistry.
Anne was well known for her dedication to her students, for developing cutting-edge research, and for committing herself wholeheartedly to making DMSE, MIT, and the world better. We will miss her.The The Anne M. Mayes (1986) Fellowship in Materials Science and Engineering was established to honor Prof. Anne Mayes’ contributions to the Department and the Institute. Income from the endowed fellowship fund provides fellowship support for a first-year graduate student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The fund was nucleated with a generous gift from Anne and has been supported with donations from colleagues, students, and friends as well as matching funds from the Dean of Engineering and the Provost’s Office. We are honored that Anne’s commitment to DMSE students continues, now supporting one student each year with a one-semester fellowship.