James T. Spencer

Dr. James T. Spencer joined the faculty at Syracuse University after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Virginia, a Ph.D. from Iowa State University, and his undergraduate studies in chemistry at S.U.N.Y. College at Potsdam. Prof. Spencer has received several honors for his research and teaching work including the “Distinguished Achievements in Boron Science” Award from the BUSA International Conference. He is the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Distinguished Teaching Professor of Chemistry and Forensic Science in the College of Arts and Sciences. He has received the Chancellor's Citation for Excellence, the highest award recognition for SU faculty and staff in recognition of outstanding achievement in teaching, scholarship and creative work, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from University College. He has been active in organizing a variety of scientific meetings, including serving as co-chair for the 10th and 11th Foresight Conferences on Nanotechnology. He has served as a consultant for the Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Electric Corporation, the Merix Corporation, International Business Machines, and Upstate Medical University, among others.

Dr. Spencer is the author of ~90 scientific papers/books and has presented over 250 lectures at regional, national and international venues. Spencer’s research involves the study of solid-state chemistry and current projects are focused upon the development of a new generation of sensors using chemically functionalized piezoelectric solid state devices for analytes with applications to medicine, forensic science and national security.

Dr. Spencer founded the University’s Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute (FNSSI) where he serves as its Founding Executive Director. The Institute brings together work from many disciplines and provides a program of excellence, uniquely positioned to make significant contributions to combat crime and promote national security through research, teaching, and professional outreach: the nation’s first program that comprehensively focuses upon the breadth and depth scholarship in forensic and national security sciences and is establishing groundbreaking research based upon rigorous scientific investigation and technical ability. Dr. Spencer has taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses in forensic science and chemistry, including introductory forensics for 25 years. Dr. Spencer has also served as the Associate Dean for Science, Mathematics and Research in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences (2009-2014).

In addition to his scientific pursuits, Spencer also directs the national award-winning Syracuse University Brass Ensemble, having begun his studies at SUNY Potsdam in brass music. The Ensemble is composed of over thirty-five professional-level musicians from Syracuse University, Upstate Medical University, and surrounding Upstate New York communities.