Ryan Cooper

Ryan Cooper is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. He joined the university in 2016 after completing a postdoctoral position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Materials Science and Technology Division. His research focuses on multiscale mechanics of materials, including 2D materials like graphene and ceramics, with emphasis on applications in nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and structural materials. Cooper holds a B.S. from Drexel University (2008) and a Ph.D. from Columbia University (2014).

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Drexel University (2008)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University (2014)

Research Interests

Cooper’s work explores the mechanical behavior of advanced materials at multiple scales, including the design of graphene-based composites, ceramic microstructure analysis, and the response of cells to nanoscale surface topographies. His research bridges materials science, mechanical engineering, and biomedical applications, with recent studies on fatigue-resistant ceramics, additive manufacturing of Inconel alloys, and stem cell interactions with engineered surfaces.

Grants & Collaborations

• CRADA collaboration with Cummins Inc. on diesel particulate filter durability (2016)
• Research on high-power structural materials for nuclear systems (2016)

Labs & Teams

His lab focuses on advanced material characterization techniques, including indentation methods for 2D materials and microstructural analysis of additively manufactured components. Collaborations span academia and industry, emphasizing practical applications of fundamental materials research.