Michael McMasterView profile
Academic
Michael McMaster is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of Instructional Labs in the Physics Department at Duquesne University. His academic focus includes teaching experimental physics and advancing research in condensed matter physics, optics, and bio-based materials. He holds a PhD in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics from Case Western Reserve University (2019) and a B.A. in Physics and Mathematics from Youngstown State University (2014). Education: Ph.D., Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, Case Western Reserve University, 2019 B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Youngstown State University, 2014 His research spans experimental optics, optoelectronics, and bio-based materials, with expertise in techniques like atomic layer deposition and optical profilometry. Collaborating across disciplines, he applies machine learning to analyze historical paintings’ surface topography for art conservation. Previously, he worked as an optical engineer at a data-storage startup and as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Netherlands focusing on atomic layer deposition. Michael’s work bridges physics and art, leveraging advanced materials and computational methods to solve practical problems in both technical and cultural domains. His lab at Duquesne emphasizes hands-on experimental training for students.








