Daniel P. Shoemaker

Dr. Daniel P. Shoemaker is an Associate Professor and Racheff Faculty Fellow in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on synthesizing novel inorganic materials and studying their electronic, magnetic, and chemical responses through advanced characterization techniques. Key areas include in situ materials synthesis, nanostructured magnetism, and correlated electron systems.

• Education: BS (Materials Science & Engineering, UIUC, 2006); PhD (Materials, UCSB, 2010)
• Postdoctoral work: Argonne National Laboratory (2011–2013)
• Teaching: Courses include MSE 308, 403, 405, 406, and 489

Research interests span in situ materials synthesis (e.g., metastable compound discovery using advanced spectroscopy), micro/nanostructured magnetism (characterizing magnetic defects and microstructures), and correlated materials (studying disordered systems via neutron/x-ray scattering at national labs).

Publications emphasize structural dynamics, topological phases, and quantum material design. Awards include the DOE Early Career Award (2015) and 2024 Campus Advising Excellence Award.

Lab activities involve developing DIY educational tools and collaborating with Argonne/Los Alamos National Labs. Active in mentoring over 20 students since 2013.