Danielle Reifsnyder Hickey

Danielle Reifsnyder Hickey is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. She holds departmental affiliations in Chemistry and external ties to the Materials Science and Engineering Department. Her research focuses on advanced microscopy techniques for studying nanoscale materials, particularly topological insulators and 2D semiconductors. Key interests include defect analysis, atomic-resolution imaging, and understanding material properties at interfaces.

Education: B.S. in Chemistry and B.A. in Russian Language & Culture from Duke University; Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania; Postdoc in Chemical Engineering & Materials Science at the University of Minnesota.

Her work employs cutting-edge methods like scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to investigate grain boundaries, vacancy arrays, and structural phenomena in layered materials. Notable projects include analyzing coalesced WS₂ monolayers and exploring spin-orbit torque effects in topological insulators.

Labs and facilities: Based in Benkovic Building (room 240), her group focuses on interdisciplinary materials research with applications in electronics and energy storage. Current projects address defects in 2D materials and quantum confinement effects.