Barbara S. Linke

Barbara S. Linke is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California Davis. As the Director of the Laboratory for Manufacturing and Sustainable Technologies Research (MASTeR), she leads research in sustainable manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and energy-efficient processes. She is also a Principal Investigator at the Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology (AHMCT) Research Center, focusing on infrastructure-related manufacturing challenges.

Her academic background includes a Dr.-Ing. habil. (Habilitation) and she holds the Chancellor’s Fellow title (2021–2026). She advises the UC Davis Student Chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and the Women Machinists’ Club, fostering student engagement in manufacturing education. Dr. Linke collaborates with interdisciplinary groups like the Fire Research Group at UC Berkeley and the UC Davis AI Center in Engineering, integrating AI into manufacturing systems.

Her research emphasizes sustainable technologies, including eco-design frameworks for additive manufacturing, energy-efficient grinding processes, and resource-efficient material finishing. Recent work explores mobile 3D printing systems for emergency applications, biodegradable abrasive media, and distortion mitigation in aluminum alloys through simulation and experimentation.

Dr. Linke’s articles highlight trends in sustainable manufacturing, process modeling, and material characterization. Her awards include the Chancellor’s Fellowship, recognizing her contributions to education and research. She actively promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration, bridging mechanical engineering with AI and environmental science to address global manufacturing challenges.