Robert 'Drew' Fleming

Dr. Robert 'Drew' Fleming is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Arkansas State University (A-State), joining in 2019. He holds a Ph.D., MSME, and BSME from the University of Arkansas. His research focuses on computational materials science, surface engineering, and material defect dynamics in confined geometries.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., University of Arkansas (Mechanical Engineering)
  • MSME, University of Arkansas
  • BSME, University of Arkansas

His work integrates classical molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) to study dislocations in nanostructures and surface chemistry interactions. Key applications include optical coatings, friction reduction, and energy sector materials. Prior to A-State, he spent 5 years as a senior research engineer at WattGlass, collaborating with SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories.

• Affiliations:
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
  • Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE)

Awards: Recipient of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship during his PhD (2017).

Current research emphasizes surface property design (optical transmittance, wettability) and industry-relevant materials for manufacturing and energy sectors.