Ted Poehler

Ted Poehler

Theodore “Ted” Poehler, who served the Johns Hopkins University community for more than six decades in a number of important roles—including as Vice Provost for Research and as a faculty member in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering—died on December 11 at the age of 81.

Poehler’s 65-year-long relationship with Johns Hopkins began when he entered the university in 1952 as a 16-year-old freshman. In June of 2016, he retired from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering as a research professor. In between, he served under seven university presidents as a researcher, teacher, and senior administrator, including as the university’s Vice Provost for Research from 1992 until 2008, and for two years as the Whiting School of Engineering’s associate dean of research.

During his tenure, Poehler contributed enormously to the university, taking leadership roles with the Animal Care and Use program, the Institutional Compliance Oversight Committee, the Office of Research Projects Administration, and the Provost’s Undergraduate Research Awards program. In addition, at the Whiting School, he helped establish the new Human Language Technology Center of Excellence, and the Institute for NanoBioTechnology – both important interdisciplinary research programs.

Poehler also was a highly productive and well-regarded researcher in areas ranging from gas lasers and electronic materials to metallo-organic compounds and conducting polymers. He authored or co-authored more than 150 papers and held 14 patents.

One of Poehler’s central passions was teaching. He believed that sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for engineering with the next generation was one of the most important things he could contribute to his discipline.

Ted Poehler will be remembered at a memorial service set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Johns Hopkins Club. A reception will follow from 2 to 4 p.m. Flowers will be accepted. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in the name of Ted Poehler.

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