David Laughlin

David Laughlin is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), holding a courtesy appointment in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. He also serves as the ALCOA Professor of Physical Metallurgy and Editor of Metallurgical and Materials Transactions. With a PhD from MIT (1973) and BS from Drexel University (1969), his research focuses on phase transformations, magnetic materials, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of microstructures. Notable contributions include studies on FePt alloys, boron nitride interfaces, and heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) media.

He has authored over 400 publications and five co-edited books, with awards including the G. T. Ladd Teaching Award (1975), B. R. Teare Award (1999), and the 2003 College of Engineering Outstanding Research Award. His work bridges metallurgy, materials science, and engineering applications, emphasizing practical solutions for advanced materials systems.

• Education: PhD in Metallurgy & Materials Science (MIT, 1973), BS in Metallurgical Engineering (Drexel University, 1969)
• Research Themes: Phase transformations, magnetic thin films, FePt-based alloys, boron nitride interfaces, HAMR media, and TEM-based microstructural analysis

His recent publications emphasize granular media fabrication, thermal conductivity interfaces, and plasmonic transducer designs, reflecting ongoing contributions to magnetic storage technologies and nanomaterials.