Christopher J. Saldaña

Christopher J. Saldaña serves as the Ring Family Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he has been a faculty member since 2014. His research focuses on advancing manufacturing science and mechanics of materials, with expertise in additive/hybrid manufacturing, deformation-based surface processing, and Industry 4.0 frameworks. Previously, he held the Harold and Inge Marcus Career Professorship at Penn State University and maintains visiting affiliations with institutions including the US Air Force Research Laboratory and the Indian Institute of Science.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University (2010)
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University (2006)
• BS in Engineering Science, Virginia Tech (2004)

Dr. Saldaña's research establishes foundational processing science for next-generation material systems (alloys, composites, bio-inspired) and manufacturing processes. His group develops integrated frameworks linking process parameters, thermomechanical variables, material structure evolution, and performance outcomes, with emphasis on hybrid additive/subtractive manufacturing qualification and digital manufacturing design tools. They utilize advanced platforms including powder feed directed energy deposition, laser powder bed fusion, and wire-arc deposition systems.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on deformation mechanics in manufacturing processes, microstructure evolution under thermomechanical loading, and novel process development for advanced material systems. His work bridges fundamental material behavior studies with applied industrial manufacturing solutions across aerospace, automotive, and biomedical sectors.

His distinguished awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2013), Robert J. Hocken SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award (2016), and Georgia Bio Innovation Award (2021). Additional recognitions:

• Georgia Bio Innovation Award (2021)
• Gambrinus Fellowship (2018)
• US Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship (2017)
• Research Affiliate of CIRP (2016)
• NSF CAREER Award (2013)
• Dow Chemical Sustainability Innovation Challenge Finalist (2013)
• R&D100 Award (2010)
• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2004)

His research program receives substantial support from NSF, DARPA, DMDII, NIST, DOE, ARO, AFRL, and industry partners including Delta Airlines, Volvo, Ford, and Georgia-Pacific. He serves as Associate Editor for IISE Transactions (Design and Manufacturing) and on editorial boards of Manufacturing Letters, Computer Aided Design and Applications, and ASTM Journal of Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing.

Dr. Saldaña directs a comprehensive research facility featuring additive manufacturing systems (powder feed directed energy deposition, laser powder bed fusion, hybrid manufacturing, wire-arc deposition), conventional manufacturing equipment, surface/volumetric inspection technologies, and multi-scale characterization tools including SEM/TEM, EBSD, XRD, CT scanning, and nanoindentation capabilities.