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Joanna McKittrick

Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego

Joanna McKittrick joined UC San Diego after receiving her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT. Her research is concerned with (1) synthesis, characterization and analysis of materials with superior properties through novel processing techniques and (2) the structure-properties-function of biological structural materials.

Her research interests include light-emitting materials (phosphors) for applications in display devices and for solid state lighting, thin oxide films for optical, ferroelectric, magnetic and structural and biocompatible applications, non-equilibrium processing (combustion synthesis and rapid solidification), nanomaterials in biology, biomimetic structures and investigations into the mechanical properties of natural materials such as bone, teeth and antler (collagen and hydroxyapatite), horn (keratin), feathers (keratin), mollusk shells (calcium carbonate) and arthropod exoskeletons (chitin).

Experience

  • –present
    Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego