Brittany Nelson-Cheeseman

Brittany Nelson-Cheeseman is a Professor and Director of Materials Science and Engineering in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of St. Thomas' School of Engineering. She holds leadership responsibilities as Director while maintaining an active research program and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in materials science and engineering.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from University of California, Berkeley (with Designated Emphasis in Nanoscale Science and Engineering)
• MS in Materials Science and Engineering from University of California, Berkeley
• BS in Materials Science and Engineering from University of Wisconsin, Madison

Nelson-Cheeseman's research focuses on novel composite materials for additive manufacturing, particularly magnetic elastomer smart materials that achieve remote contactless motion for soft robotic applications. Her expertise spans electronic and magnetic materials, nanomaterials, thin films, functional composites, 3D-printing, smart materials, and materials characterization. She has extensive experience utilizing national laboratory facilities across the US, particularly with synchrotron radiation techniques for materials characterization. Her work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in soft robotics, medical devices, and energy systems.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a clear research trajectory from fundamental studies of complex oxides and thin film heterostructures toward applied research in magnetic materials for additive manufacturing. Her work demonstrates increasing focus on 3D printed magnetic composites, with particular emphasis on controlling magnetic properties through printing parameters, infill patterns, and magnetic annealing techniques. This evolution shows her ability to translate fundamental materials knowledge into practical engineering applications.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Editor's Pick selection in AIP Advances (2022)
• APL Materials Editor's Pick (2014)
• PRB Editor's Suggestion (2010)
• Featured in Virtual Journal of Nanoscale Science and Technology (2010 and 2007)

Nelson-Cheeseman is actively involved in engineering education, teaching courses including Engineering Materials, Smart Materials, and Materials Engineering. She serves as an advisor for the Senior Design Clinic in Peru, demonstrating her commitment to global engineering education. Her educational background includes postdoctoral research at Argonne National Laboratory and work at the Institut de Ciencia de Materials at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. She has also participated in Semester at Sea, taking liberal arts courses while visiting 11 different countries, reflecting her passion for intercultural learning.

Her research group develops novel composite materials for additive manufacturing, focusing on magnetic elastomer smart materials for soft robotic applications inside the human body or vessels. She maintains national and international collaborations and utilizes advanced facilities including oxide molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) at national laboratories.