Michael Bedzyk

Michael Bedzyk is Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University with a joint appointment in Physics and Astronomy. As Co-Director of the Northwestern Synchrotron Research Center, he develops novel X-ray probes for atomic-scale characterization of surfaces, interfaces, and nanostructures. He holds a BS in Physics and Mathematics from SUNY Brockport and MS/PhD in Physics from SUNY Albany.

His research employs synchrotron X-ray facilities to achieve enhanced chemical and structural sensitivity for studying dilute systems. Bedzyk's work has pioneered X-ray standing wave techniques for lattice location determination, strain measurement in epitaxial films, and polyion adsorption studies. Recent investigations focus on quantum materials, catalytic interfaces, and superconducting qubit materials.

Bedzyk has secured continuous research funding from NSF, DOE, and industry partners. His group's publications demonstrate consistent innovation in materials characterization methodologies, with recent emphasis on quantum computing materials and atomic-resolution imaging techniques. Collaborative projects span multiple institutions including Argonne National Laboratory and Johns Hopkins University.

Honors include fellowship in the American Physical Society (1998), American Association for the Advancement of Science (2012), and the Bertram Eugene Warren Diffraction Physics Award from the American Crystallographic Association (1994).