Alison C. Dunn

Alison C. Dunn is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She holds a PhD, MS, and BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida (2013, 2006, 2004). Her research focuses on tribology, biomechanics, and soft materials, particularly in frictional adaptations in insects and hydrogel-based materials. Dunn leads the Materials Tribology Laboratory and has been recognized with awards including the Engineering Council Award for Excellence in Advising (2017, 2020) and the STLE Early Career Award (2019). She teaches courses such as ME 371 (Mechanical Design II) and ME 472 (Introduction to Tribology).

Education:

• PhD Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida (2013)
• MS Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida (2006)
• BS Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida (2004)

Research Interests: Dunn explores frictional morphological adaptations in insects, soft matter tribology, and wear mechanisms in materials. Her work includes developing novel instrumentation for in situ friction testing and studying hydrogel lubrication in biological systems.

Scientific Awards:

• University of Illinois Engineering Council Award for Excellence in Advising (2020, 2017)
• STLE Early Career Award (2019)
• ASME Award for Contributions to Tribology (2019)

Advising & Grants: Dunn is noted for her excellence in mentoring, as highlighted by her advising awards. Her research is supported by grants focused on tribological systems and biomaterials. She collaborates on projects such as the TMS Frontiers award-winning work on tribology of soft materials.

Labs & Teams: Directs the Materials Tribology Laboratory, advancing interdisciplinary tribology research in mechanical engineering and materials science.