Deborah Chung

Deborah Chung, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo, is a renowned materials scientist with expertise in multifunctional materials, electromagnetic shielding, and structural self-sensing technologies. Her research integrates advanced materials science with engineering applications, emphasizing practical solutions for smart infrastructure and energy systems.

Dr. Chung holds a PhD in Materials Science from MIT (1977) and MS/BS degrees in Engineering from Caltech (1973). She leads the Composite Materials Research Lab, focusing on innovations in carbon-based composites, thermal interface materials, and 3D-printed polymers. Her work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2024 President’s Medal from UB and election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2023).

Her research interests span functional materials for structural health monitoring (e.g., self-sensing concretes, piezoelectric metals), electromagnetic interference mitigation, and energy-efficient thermal management. Key contributions include discovering piezoelectricity in metals like aluminum and solder, and developing capacitance-based stress-sensing techniques for infrastructure.

• Education:
  • PhD, Materials Science, MIT (1977)
  • MS & BS, Engineering, Caltech (1973)
• Awards:
  • Ranked #1 living researcher at UB (Stanford, 2021–2023)
  • Charles E. Pettinos Award (2004)
  • Chancellor’s Excellence Award (2002–2003)
• Labs/Teams: Composite Materials Research Lab, collaboration with industry on structural materials and sensors.

Her recent articles emphasize advancements in self-sensing materials, EMI shielding for 5G, and dielectric properties of conductive materials. Ongoing work explores solder-based electronics and electret behaviors in metals, pushing boundaries in low-power sensor systems.