Christina Rost

Christina M. Rost is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), part of the College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University (2016), following a B.S. and M.S. in Physics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she served as an Assistant Professor of Physics at James Madison University.

• Research Focus: Atomic-level disorder in ceramics, particularly high entropy and compositionally complex systems.
• Key Techniques: X-ray absorption/emission spectroscopy, multi-length-scale characterization.
• Applications: Functional materials for extreme environments, energy, and electronics.

Research Interests include designing materials with tunable properties via controlled disorder, leveraging high entropy oxides and amorphous systems. Her work integrates advanced spectroscopy, computational modeling, and machine learning to accelerate materials discovery. Recent emphases include understanding local structure- property relationships in entropy-stabilized oxides and spinel ferrites.

Publications reflect a focus on high entropy materials' synthesis, thermal stability, magnetic behavior, and functional applications. Notable trends include: (1) exploring cation roles in rock salt oxides, (2) optimizing thin film growth for pyroelectric applications, and (3) studying phase evolution under thermal/mechanical stress.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2023 Provost Award for Excellence in Research (James Madison University)
  • 2017 Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship (University of Virginia)
  • 2015 First Place, Best Student Presentation (ACerS)
• Lab Team includes 5 graduate students (e.g., John Barber, Gerald Bejger), 4 undergraduates, and former members now at institutions like Pratt & Whitney.
• Lab Facilities: Located in Holden Hall, equipped with state-of-the-art characterization tools.