Frances Ross

Frances Ross serves as the TDK Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she leads cutting-edge research in nanoscale materials characterization and growth mechanisms.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, University of Cambridge
• B.A. in Physics, University of Cambridge

Her research pioneers in situ transmission electron microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy to observe real-time crystal growth during epitaxy, electrochemical deposition, and catalysis. This work drives innovations in microelectronics and energy storage through atomic-level understanding of nanomaterial self-assembly, with recent focus on developing next-generation microscopy instrumentation for liquid-phase studies.

Her publication portfolio demonstrates convergence of materials science with computing hardware, exemplified by nanosecond-scale programmable resistors for analog deep learning. This reflects broader trends in designing energy-efficient neuromorphic devices using novel nanomaterials.

Award highlights:

• Joseph F. Keithley Award (2024)
• Gerhard Ertl Lecture Award (2019)
• Hatsujiro Hashimoto Medal (2018)
• IBM Outstanding Accomplishment Award (2017)

She maintains fellowships in six major scientific societies including the American Physical Society and Materials Research Society.

Professor Ross actively mentors graduate researchers including Serin and Shu Fen, with her lab supported by grants focused on advanced microscopy development. Her team operates within MIT.nano facilities, collaborating across materials science and electrical engineering disciplines to pioneer new characterization methodologies.

The Microscopy@MIT laboratory under her direction specializes in real-time observation of nanomaterial synthesis, maintaining strong partnerships with semiconductor industry leaders and national laboratories for applied research in energy storage solutions.