Alfred J Crosby

Alfred J Crosby is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is affiliated with the Silvio O. Conte National Center for Polymer Research and leads the Crosby Research Group, conducting research in Conte Polymer Center, Room A125.

His educational background includes:

• B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia (1996)
• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University (2000)

Professor Crosby's research integrates fundamental science with practical applications, focusing on four main interconnected themes. His work in Bioinspired Adhesion & Friction has led to the development of Geckskin™ technology through collaborations with biologists. In Growth & Assembly research, his group creates hierarchical structures from nanoscale particles with applications in flexible electronics. His Mechanics of Gels, Tissues and Thin Films work includes the innovative Cavitation Rheology technique for characterizing soft materials. His research on Autonomous and Controlled Movement explores mechanical instabilities in soft materials inspired by natural phenomena.

His recent publications demonstrate continued innovation across multiple subfields of polymer science, with particular emphasis on advanced material structures and mechanical properties characterization.

Professor Crosby has received numerous prestigious awards:

• Multiple society fellowships (Royal Society of Chemistry, American Physical Society, National Academy of Inventors)
• Adhesion Society Excellence in Adhesion Award (2019)
• National Science Foundation CAREER Award
• CNN Money / Fortune Magazine Science Breakthroughs (2012)
• And many other significant honors spanning his career

He actively mentors students and researchers through his research group, which includes current students, postdocs, and visiting scholars. His group participates extensively in science education outreach for K-12 and undergraduate students. His research has been supported by major grants from NSF, Army Research Office, and industry partners.

The Crosby Research Group maintains specialized research facilities documented in galleries covering Cavitation & Gel Mechanics, Thin Film Mechanics, Adhesion, and Growth & Assembly research areas.