Chris Rothfuss

Chris Rothfuss is a Visiting Assistant Professor for the Honors College, an Adjunct Professor of International Studies, and the Director of the UW Summer High School Institute. He received his PhD in Chemical Engineering (2002) and MS in Applied Physics (2002) from the University of Washington; and his MS in Chemical Engineering (1996) and BA in International Studies (1994) from the University of Wyoming where he competed as a member and captain of the Cowboy debate team.  

Chris has taught upper division UW Honors courses each semester since 2007, including Diplomacy & Negotiations (HP4152/INST4990/POLS4710), the Future of Nanotechnology (HP4152), and Ideation, Innovation & Invention (HP4152).

In addition to his work at the University, Dr. Rothfuss is the Senate Minority Leader of the Wyoming Legislature. First elected in 2010, he represents Senate District 9 in Laramie, Wyoming. Senator Rothfuss co-chairs the Wyoming Blockchain Select Committee and serves as the ranking member of the Education Committee and the Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee. 

Chris has consulted extensively as an inventor and advanced technology expert, providing technology solutions that have resulted in over 25 patent applications and 15 granted patents ranging from 3d printing to augmented reality to energy storage; and worked as a chemical engineer on enhanced oil recovery projects around the world.  

From 2003-06, Chris was an AAAS Science and Technology Diplomacy Fellow at the U.S. Department of State in the Office of Space and Advanced Technology.  He served as the U.S. lead for nanotechnology foreign policy, and as a delegate to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.