Darrell Schlom

Darrell Schlom is the Tisch University Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University's College of Engineering. He holds one of the most prestigious faculty appointments at Cornell, recognizing his exceptional contributions to materials science and engineering. His research focuses on the atomic-scale synthesis and characterization of complex oxide thin films using reactive molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE), with an emphasis on discovering novel materials through a 'materials-by-design' approach.

His educational background includes:

• B.S. in Engineering and Applied Science from California Institute of Technology (1984)
• M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University (1989)
• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University (1990)

Prof. Schlom's research interests center on oxide materials for electronic applications, particularly perovskite oxides that exhibit a rich variety of electronic properties including ferroelectricity, magnetism, superconductivity, and multiferroic behavior. His group specializes in heteroepitaxial growth techniques to create high-quality oxide heterostructures with precise control over composition and structure at the atomic level. This enables the exploration of emergent phenomena at interfaces and the development of next-generation electronic and energy-efficient devices.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in advanced oxide materials, with a focus on quantum phenomena in nickelates, strain engineering of ferroelectrics, high-mobility oxide semiconductors, and novel growth techniques for β-Ga₂O₃ and other wide-bandgap semiconductors. There is a clear emphasis on interface engineering, spin-orbit coupling, and the manipulation of electronic and magnetic states through external stimuli such as strain, electric fields, and doping.

His scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards:

• John Bardeen Award, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) 2024
• John A. Thornton Memorial Award, American Vacuum Society 2021
• James C. McGroddy Prize for New Materials, American Physical Society 2021
• Frank Prize, International Organization for Crystal Growth (IOCG) 2019
• Humboldt Research Award 2018
• Inducted into National Academy of Engineering 2017
• MRS Medal, Materials Research Society 2008
• Fellow of the American Physical Society, Materials Research Society, and American Vacuum Society

Prof. Schlom has led major research initiatives, including a DOE-funded project (DE-SC0002334) on using interfaces to create strongly coupled magnetic-ferroelectrics. He advises numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and his group collaborates widely across disciplines. He teaches core courses in electronic materials and thin-film science at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His leadership extends to directing research centers, including a $34 million semiconductor research center at Cornell focused on energy-efficient microelectronics. His lab is equipped with state-of-the-art MBE systems for oxide synthesis and collaborates closely with facilities for advanced characterization such as electron microscopy and synchrotron-based techniques.

He leads a vibrant research team that includes graduate students, postdocs, and collaborators, working at the forefront of quantum materials and oxide electronics. The group maintains strong ties with national laboratories and industry partners, particularly in the semiconductor sector. Future work is expected to continue exploring novel quantum phases in oxide heterostructures, integrating these materials into functional devices, and expanding into new material systems such as topological oxides and low-dimensional quantum materials.