Millicent K. Ruffin

Dr. Millicent K. Ruffin is director of Community Affairs in the newly formed Office of Racial Equality and Social Unity. In this role, Ruffin leads the development and execution of programs that address the racial inequality and socioeconomic disparities in the communities around the world where Corning operates. This includes identifying opportunities for Corning to support diversity training and cultural initiatives within local school systems, STEAM initiatives for underrepresented groups, and economic growth stimulation in impoverished communities.

Previously, Ruffin was research director and program manager, Process Research, where she led the development and demonstration of laminate glass solutions for carrier glass applications in microelectronics packaging, architectural glass, and damage-resistant glass applications for sensors.

Ruffin joined Corning in 2001 as a senior scientist in Characterization Science and Services (CS&S). She supervised the Separations and Thermal Analysis Laboratories, developed numerous analytical techniques in support of both research and development projects in Science & Technology, and led the development of fundamental understanding of the rheology of ceramic extrusions.

In 2008, Ruffin formed the Chemical Sensing group in Manufacturing Technology & Engineering’s Advanced Engineering Directorate, and also led the Mercury Abatement program and a team of 30 scientists and engineers in developing critical understanding of the mercury capture system. In 2012, she joined Corning Display Technologies as program manager of OLED Technology.

Ruffin was appointed director of the Corning Advanced Technology Center in Taipei in 2014, where she supported the growth of Corning® Gorilla® Glass in Asia and led development of the lab’s technical capabilities. Upon her repatriation in 2016, Ruffin was business technology director for Advanced Glass Innovations, responsible for the technology delivery of innovation programs for new glass businesses.

Ruffin holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Furman University and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Michigan.