The Nelson W. Taylor Lecture Series in Materials Science and Engineering honors the memory of Professor Nelson W. Taylor (1869 - 1965) who was head of Penn State’s Department of Ceramics from 1933-1943.
During his tenure as department head, Dr. Taylor refined the ceramics undergraduate curriculum, strengthened the graduate program, expanded ties with industry and was able to attract important scientists (for example Woldemar A. Weyl) to the faculty. He is recognized as the individual most responsible for establishing the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences as a major center for ceramics research.
The Nelson W. Taylor Lecture Series was established in 1969 and has consistently attracted scientists of international prominence.