Christopher Rock

Christopher Rock is an Associate Research Professor at the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Kentucky (1997). His research focuses on additive manufacturing, new alloy development, process modeling, and sensor technologies for process monitoring. He is a core member of the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics (CAMAL) and has contributed to projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), including a $3 million DMREF grant for hyperuniform-inspired materials design.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Kentucky, 1997
• MS in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Kentucky, 1993
• BS in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Kentucky, 1991

Research Interests:
Rock’s work bridges materials science and advanced manufacturing, emphasizing additive techniques for high-performance alloys. His projects include developing oxide-dispersion strengthened steels (ODS) via laser and electron beam processes, optimizing material properties through process modeling, and advancing sensor technologies for real-time monitoring in manufacturing.

Awards:

• NSF DMREF Grant ($983,000) for hyperuniform materials design (2023–2027)

Grants and Advising:
As a co-PI on the NSF DMREF project, Rock collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to translate research into industry-relevant solutions. His work includes training students in materials innovation and entrepreneurship through NSF-funded programs.

Labs and Teams:
Rock leads CAMAL initiatives focused on additive manufacturing applications in aerospace, energy, and electronics. The center integrates academic and industrial partnerships for rapid prototyping and material discovery.