Stephen J. McDonnell

Stephen J. McDonnell is an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia's School of Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His research focuses on interfaces in nanoelectronics, 2D materials integration, surface science, and energy conversion. He leads the McDonnell Group, which investigates materials synthesis in-vacuo, electronic structure via photoelectron spectroscopy, and anti-viral properties of copper alloys.

• Education: B.S. in Applied Physics (Dublin City University, 2004), Ph.D. in Physical Sciences (Dublin City University, 2009)
• Teaching: Courses include 'Materials for Electronic/Magnetic/Optical Applications' and 'Introduction to Materials Science.'

Key research interests include nanoelectronics, 2D materials (e.g., WSe₂, MoS₂), ferroelectric HfO₂/ZrO₂ interfaces, and anti-viral copper-based alloys. His group correlates synthesis conditions with device properties like contact resistance and thermal boundary conductance.

Publications span 2D material growth, interface engineering, and catalytic materials. Collaborations emphasize device-relevant properties and real-world applications in energy and healthcare.