Eric Chronister has an accomplished 39-year career as a professor and research scientist, that includes chairmanship of a chemistry department for nine years at UC Riverside and service as dean of the UNLV College of Sciences from 2017 to 2026. As dean, he oversaw five departments and 140 faculty, 60 of which were hired while he was dean, and he managed annual expenditures in excess of $40 Million. His leadership in obtaining extramural funding for graduate students and core research facilities have been effective in increasing the capacity and quality of graduate programs. The UNLV College of Sciences also supported UNLVs ascension to Carnegie R1 research status.  

Chronister’s independent research program focuses on the physics (and applications) of new materials including, the molecular behavior of materials under extreme conditions (pressure and temperature), the development of novel chemical sensors, new mechano-chemical systems, and energy conserving photoactive coatings. His research discoveries have led to the publication of over 100 manuscripts, over 130 research presentations, over 30 extramural research grants, and his Ph.D. students have gone on to successful careers in academia, national laboratories, and private industry.

Throughout his career, Chronister has led successful efforts to improve student success in academics and research. He received the campus undergraduate research mentor award and as undergraduate advisor, he improved student success through faculty mentoring, pedagogical innovations, and new programs. Since joining the UNLV College of Sciences the graduation rate in the college has increased from 42% to over 60%, the amount of research grant funding has more than doubled to $25 million per year, and Chronister led college efforts to broaden STEM participation.