Jeffrey F. Rhoads

Jeffrey F. Rhoads is the John and Catherine Martin Family Vice President for Research at the University of Notre Dame and holds the rank of Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. He previously served as Executive Director of the Purdue Institute for National Security and held leadership roles in Purdue’s School of Mechanical Engineering, including director of the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories and the Purdue Energetics Research Center. His research focuses on energetic materials, additive manufacturing, sensors, and engineering education innovation. Rhoads is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed articles across these domains.

Education: BS, MS, and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University.

Key Research Themes:

• Development of novel sensors for CO₂, hydrogen, and other gases using nanotechnology and polymer composites.
• Advances in 3D printing of energetic materials (e.g., propellants, explosives) with applications in defense and aerospace.
• Investigations into coupled oscillator systems and nonlinear dynamics.
• Pedagogical studies on blended learning, student resource usage patterns, and faculty development for instructional innovation.

Recent Article Trends (2022–2025): Over 30% of his recent publications address additive manufacturing of energetic materials, with others focusing on engineering education research and sensor technology. His work bridges fundamental engineering science with practical applications in national security and environmental monitoring.

Awards:

• Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Labs and Teams: Leads Notre Dame’s research infrastructure strategy and previously directed Purdue’s Herrick Laboratories and Energetics Research Center. His work integrates interdisciplinary teams from mechanical engineering, materials science, and education research.