The John E. Hilliard Symposium

The John E. Hilliard Symposium is our annual capstone event, at which time we highlight the original research of our senior graduate students. Established in 1980, this Symposium is intended to encourage communication between our department and representatives of the companies and agencies that support this work. We also take this opportunity to welcome back alumnae and alumni in the audience. The all-day event takes place in the McCormick Auditorium at the Norris University Center.

The John E. Hilliard Memorial Lecture

Professor John E. Hilliard joined the faculty of Northwestern University in 1962, where he taught for a quarter of a century. Born and educated in England, Professor Hilliard received his Ph.D. from the University of Liverpool, followed by a postdoctoral appointment at MIT and six years at the G.E. Research Laboratory. His work included four areas of research: the study of the thermodynamic and kinetic processes in inhomogeneous systems, the quantitative characterization of structure, the theoretical and experimental study of spinodal decomposition, and the synthesis and investigation of compositionally modulated films. These latter two areas represent pioneering work, for which his publications are cited with enormous frequency. Dr. Hilliard was an inspiring teacher, not only for his students, but also for his colleagues and the wider metallurgical community.

The Hilliard Memorial Lecture is given by recipients of honorary doctoral degrees from Northwestern University who have been nominated by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.