Ethan A. ScottView profile
Academic
Ethan A. Scott is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia. He holds a B.S. (2015) and Ph.D. (2021) in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from UVA, followed by a postdoctoral research associate position at Sandia National Laboratories. His research focuses on experimental techniques for analyzing heat and energy transfer in extreme material conditions, including micro- and nanoscale phenomena. He serves as Deputy Director of the EXSiTE Lab led by Professor Patrick Hopkins. Education: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Virginia (2015) Ph.D., Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia (2021) Postdoctoral Research Associate, Sandia National Laboratories (2021–2023) Research Interests: Ethan explores advanced thermal transport phenomena using electro- and optothermal methods. Key areas include micro/nanoscale heat transfer, microfabrication, and infrared thermal detection. His work addresses challenges in material size extremes (e.g., nanoscale thin films) and environmental extremes (e.g., high-energy ion irradiation effects). Publications: His recent work emphasizes thermal conductivity manipulation through ion irradiation, optothermal sensor development, and novel material characterization. Themes include defect engineering in crystalline systems and optimizing thin-film thermometry for high sensitivity. Awards: Editor’s Pick, Applied Physics Letters (2021) Nuclear Regulatory Commission Fellowship (2017) Labs & Teams: Deputy Director of the EXSiTE Lab, focusing on experimental studies of thermal and mechanical properties of materials under extreme conditions.







