Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2004
  • M.S., Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2000
  • M.Eng., Chemical Engineering–Polymers, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 1999
  • B.S., Chemical Engineering–Polymers, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 1997
Academic Appointments
  • Drexel University, Biomedical Engineering, Invited Lecturer
  • Colorado State University, Chemical and Biological Engineering Department and School of Advanced Materials Discovery, Invited Lecturer
Professional Honors
  • National Academy of Engineering, Frontiers of Engineering, 2009
  • Materials Research Society (MRS), Graduate Student Award, 2003
  • Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), Composites Division, PerkinElmer Scholarship Award, 2003
  • Fulbright Scholarship, Doctoral Studies, University of Massachusetts at Amherst 1999-2004
  • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Medalla Antonio Caso, Best Student-Chemical Engineering Graduate Program, 1997-1999
Professional Affiliations
  • American Chemical Society—ACS (Member since 2000)
  • Society of Plastics Engineers—SPE (Member since 2003)
  • ASTM International (Member since 2013)
Languages
  • French
  • Spanish

Dr. Garcia-Leiner's research and professional interests include structure-property relationships and processing of polymeric systems. Dr. Garcia-Leiner has extensive experience in the development, formulation, scale-up, quality testing and large-scale industrial manufacturing of polymer/plastics. He has assisted clients in all stages of product life from product development, to end-use evaluation and long-term field performance. Dr. Garcia-Leiner has extensive practical experience in traditional polymer processing applications such as extrusion, co-extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, blow molding, rotational molding, fiber spinning and thermoforming. In addition, his experience includes novel processing techniques including additive manufacturing/3D printing, high performance composites processing (thermoplastics and thermosets) as well as development, formulation and processing of polymeric systems with unique properties for various applications. 

During his career, Dr. Garcia-Leiner has evaluated, developed, and patented industrial materials used for building and construction, electronics and displays, food packaging, biomedical, aerospace, oil and gas, tire and rubber, modified asphalt, point of purchase, signs, sports technology, and alternative energy technologies such as wind and photovoltaic applications.

Dr. Garcia-Leiner has also assisted several clients as a testifying expert in litigation and international arbitration matters in areas related to polymers, plastics, rubbers and elastomers, and their use in multiple applications and technologies. 

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Garcia-Leiner spent almost a decade in the plastics industry at Arkema where he held several R&D positions among various business units. His areas of focus included the development, scale-up, life service prediction, manufacturing, and commercialization of acrylic systems for light management applications and novel multi-layer screen composite systems. During his industrial career, Dr. Garcia-Leiner held team leadership positions of increased responsibility in the areas of polymer rheology, fluoropolymers, thermoplastic elastomers, as well as high performance polymers including polyketones (PEEK, PEKK, PEK, PEKEKK) and their composites for high-end applications. 

Dr. Garcia-Leiner's is proficient in a variety of analytical techniques, and his academic research includes polymer nanocomposites and polymeric foams obtained via solvent assisted polymer processing, as well as the synthesis and rheological characterization of functionalized elastomers through anionic polymerization and hydrogenation techniques.