Dorina Marta Mihut

Dr. Dorina Marta Mihut serves as Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Mercer University School of Engineering, specializing in materials science with emphasis on thin films, coatings, and surface engineering. Her research integrates physical vapor deposition techniques with practical applications in wear resistance, corrosion protection, antibacterial systems, and electromagnetic interference shielding. She has secured significant funding including an NSF grant for advanced microscopy equipment and multiple Mercer University SEED Grants.

Education:

• PhD in Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2006)
• PhD in Technical Physics, Babes-Bolyai University (2001)
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1999)
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (1986)

Dr. Mihut's research program focuses on developing functional coatings through physical vapor deposition systems, with particular expertise in magnetron sputtering and thermal evaporation techniques. Her work bridges fundamental materials characterization with practical engineering solutions, notably in creating antibacterial water filtration systems using metallic nanoparticle coatings and enhancing durability of 3D printed polymers through metallization. Recent projects demonstrate strong interdisciplinary collaboration between mechanical engineering and biology departments, particularly in studying microbial interactions with engineered surfaces.

Analysis of her publication trajectory reveals consistent focus on solving real-world materials challenges through innovative coating technologies, with increasing emphasis on educational applications and student-engaged research since 2020. Her work spans fundamental nanomechanical characterization to applied environmental protection solutions.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• National Science Foundation grant for Ultra-High Accuracy Digital Microscope (2024)
• Multiple Mercer University SEED Grants (2022-2024)
• Best Overall Poster and First Place Team awards at ASEE conferences (2023-2024)
• Third Place award in ASEE poster competition (2021)
• First place award for junior/senior design teams (2020)
• Nomination for Clayton R. Paul Teaching Excellence Award (2019)

Dr. Mihut actively mentors undergraduate researchers through independent study courses and senior design projects, guiding students in thin film deposition, materials characterization, and interdisciplinary applications. Her laboratory features physical vapor deposition systems and advanced microscopy equipment supported by external funding. She maintains active collaborations with biologists for antimicrobial research and regularly organizes professional development workshops.

Current initiatives focus on tribological performance of environmentally degraded polymers, electrical activation of antibacterial coatings, and enhancing mechanical properties of additively manufactured structures through metallic coatings, demonstrating continued innovation in materials surface engineering.