[1] Klein was the first female faculty member in the Rutgers School of Engineering (1977) and the first female faculty member elevated to the professor II rank, equivalent to distinguished professor status (1993).
[1] Klein served two terms as president of the Rutgers American Association of University Professors (AAUP) chapter.
[5][6][7] Klein's research focuses on the area of sol-gel science, a low-temperature process for making ceramic coatings.
Her most important contribution to science has been the development of electrochromic window coatings that can be lightened or darkened through the use of a dimmer attached to a battery.
This new development is more efficient than blinds, curtains, or tinted windows and can save on heating and cooling costs in the home or office.