Diana Berman

Diana Berman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of North Texas (UNT), where she has been a faculty member since 2016. Her research program focuses on fundamental tribological phenomena with practical applications in industrial systems, leading to over 70 peer-reviewed publications and 10+ patents.

Dr. Berman earned her Ph.D. in Physics from North Carolina State University (2012) followed by postdoctoral research at Argonne National Laboratory's Center for Nanoscale Materials. Her educational background bridges physics and materials engineering, enabling interdisciplinary approaches to surface phenomena.

Her research centers on friction, wear, and lubrication mechanisms at nanoscale interfaces, with three primary thrusts: superlubricity solutions for MEMS/hard drives/wind turbines; solid-liquid interface interactions for corrosion sensors and water filtration; and plant-based biolubricants for automotive/food applications. Key innovations include spray-deposited nanocomposite coatings that eliminate friction under high contact pressure and mechanochemically-formed protective carbon films.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in 2D material lubrication (particularly MXene/MoS₂ systems), tribofilm formation mechanisms, and high-temperature superlubricity solutions. Over 60% of her work involves nanomaterial synthesis via polymer infiltration techniques, with growing emphasis on sustainable lubrication solutions.

Dr. Berman's scientific recognition includes:

• TechConnect Innovation Awards
• Ralph E Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award
• Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Early Career Award
• NSF CAREER Award
• UNT Research and Innovation Award

She actively mentors graduate students through UNT's Materials Science & Engineering program and leads significant research funding:

• National Science Foundation CAREER grant ($500,000, 2021-2026) on nanoporous ceramic manufacturing
• Army Research Laboratory grant ($500,000 portion, 2020-2022)
• NSF CMMI grant ($289,847, 2020-2023) on mechanochemical hydrocarbon growth

Her Nanostructured Materials and Tribological Interfaces (NMTI) Lab operates three specialized research platforms: superlubricity development systems for industrial applications, solid-liquid interface characterization rigs for sensor development, and plant-based lubricant testing facilities. Current efforts focus on scaling lab innovations for wind turbine and electrical connector applications while developing AI-assisted material design protocols.