Rodrigo Bernal

Rodrigo Bernal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas' Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. He leads the Nanomechanical Multiphysics Lab, focusing on advanced nanomaterial characterization and multiphysics phenomena. His work integrates experimental techniques like in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with computational modeling to study nanoscale mechanical properties and failure mechanisms.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University (2014)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania (2016)

Research interests include nanomechanical behavior of materials, MEMS/NEMS device mechanics, and additive manufacturing of nanoscale structures. His lab specializes in high-resolution imaging and mechanical testing of nanomaterials, particularly silver, gold, and diamond-like carbon systems. Recent work emphasizes electromigration in flexible electronics, adhesion mechanisms at 2D material interfaces, and high-throughput nanomaterial testing.

Advising:

• Currently accepting undergraduate and graduate students
• Focus areas: nanomaterials, in-situ TEM, and multiphysics modeling

Laboratory:

• Nanomechanical Multiphysics Lab (ECSW 4.355E)
• Equipment: advanced TEM setups, nanoindentation systems, and localized pulsed electrodeposition tools