John Balk

John Balk is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Kentucky, where he has served as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies since 2018. His research focuses on the mechanical behavior of nanoporous metals, scandate cathodes, and high entropy alloys, using advanced techniques like transmission electron microscopy and Kelvin probe systems.

• Education:
  • B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (1995)
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (1995)
  • M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (1997, 2000)
  • Postdoctoral work on Thin Film Plasticity at Max Planck Institute for Metals Research (2000–2002)

His research group investigates structure-property relationships in materials, particularly through projects involving dealloying, thermionic emission, and mechanical testing of nanoscale structures. Recent work includes collaborations with LBNL on high entropy alloy development and studies on radiation effects in nanoporous metals.

Scientific Facilities: The group utilizes advanced equipment such as the iNano Nanoindenter, ORION magnetron sputtering system, and Kelvin probe systems for material synthesis and characterization.

Students: Balk currently supervises seven Ph.D. students, including Alex Allamon, Huanhuan Bai, and Tibra Das Gupta, while former students like Dr. Azin Akbari and Dr. Julius Schoop have transitioned to academic and research roles.