Helm Jr., Robert E. Post-Doctoral Fellow in Polymer Science and Biomaterials
The Robert E. Helm Jr. Post-Doctoral Fellow in Polymer Science and Biomaterials was established with support from Mr. Helm’s son and daughter-in-law, Robert W. Helm and Mimie Helm, of Ellicott City, Md.
Mr. Helm graduated from The University of Akron with a degree in chemistry in 1950. He had served in the U.S. Army during World War II and attended the University with support from the GI Bill. He was recruited into the management training program at the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron. Later in his career, he became the chief chemist at the Firestone manufacturing facility in Salinas, Calif.
In 1981, Mr. Helm joined the Sigmaform Corporation, a maker of advanced polymer materials based in Santa Clara, Calif. He retired from Sigmaform in 1987.
Mr. Helm was active in the Boy Scouts of America for most of his life. He was a member of Troop 17 in Akron, an Eagle Scout, and a member of the Order of the Arrow. He also was active as a lay leader of West Congregational Church in Akron and later of First United Methodist Church of Salinas.
Mr. Helm married Shirley Whitney of Fitchburg, Mass., in 1954, and they had three sons and six grandchildren. Their eldest son and his wife have established this fellowship to support young scholars in the field of polymer sciences, in which Mr. Helm worked for more than 37 years.
The Robert E. Helm Jr. Post-Doctoral Fellow in Polymer Science and Biomaterials fund supports research in the biomaterials discipline in the Institute of Polymer Science of the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. Candidates are determined by the biomaterials faculty in collaboration with the Office of the Dean. Preference is given to a deserving post-doctoral researcher, or at the discretion of the College, one or more graduate students who exemplify a strong commitment to leading-edge research in the field of biomaterials.
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