Mehmet Z. Baykara

Mehmet Z. Baykara is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Merced School of Engineering. His research focuses on Nanomechanics, Nanotribology, Scanning Probe Microscopy, and Surface Science, with an emphasis on atomic-scale electronics and quantum materials.

• Ph.D., 2012 – Yale University (Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science)
• B.S., 2006 – Boğaziçi University, Turkey (Mechanical Engineering)

Baykara Lab explores frontier topics such as superlubric sliding, electronic landscapes of quantum materials, and atomic-scale manipulation using advanced atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. His work spans both experimental and computational approaches, addressing challenges in material interfaces, friction dynamics, and electronic properties under ambient conditions.

Recent research trends highlight MXenes, 2D materials, and high-speed nanotribology, with applications in quantum electronics and low-friction systems. The lab's publications emphasize structural lubricity mechanisms, surface engineering, and nanoisland manipulation, often through collaborations with groups like Martini Lab and Goknur Buke's team.