Lance R. Collins

Lance R. Collins is the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering at Cornell University, recognized for creating opportunities and access to engineering education for diverse communities.

Collins, whose research specialty is turbulence and fluid dynamics, is the former S. C. Thomas Sze Director of Cornell’s Sibley School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. Prior to that appointment, he was director of graduate studies for aerospace engineering. Collins joined Cornell in 2002, following 11 years as assistant professor, associate professor and professor of chemical engineering at Pennsylvania State University. From 1999 until his departure, he also held a joint appointment in the school’s Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department. In 1998 he was a visiting scientist at the Laboratoire de Combustion et Systémes Réactifs (a National Center for Scientific Research laboratory in Orleans, France) and at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Mr. Collins received a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Princeton University, and master’s and doctorate degrees in chemical engineering from University of Pennsylvania.

In 2017, Cornell Mosaic, the Cornell Black Alumni Association and Cornell Engineering, awarded its the Medal of Distinction to Dr. Collins. The medal recognizes Cornell faculty members, administrators, and alumni for their impact and leadership in creating opportunities for diverse communities. Cornell alumni and friends created Mosaic in 2006 to increase the number of diverse alumni engaged with the university.