Jamie Kimberley

Dr. Jamie Kimberley is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Merrimack College and serves as the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Research Development. His research focuses on experimental characterization of materials under high-rate loading, employing advanced imaging techniques to study failure mechanisms and develop predictive models. He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign, alongside an M.S. in Theoretical & Applied Mechanics and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from SUNY Binghamton and SUNY New Paltz, respectively.

His current research interests include quantitative imaging techniques, additive manufacturing material response, damage evolution in energetic materials, and coupled mechanical/ignition responses. He has held academic positions at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and conducted postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign
  • M.S., Theoretical & Applied Mechanics, University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign
  • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York, Binghamton

Dr. Kimberley’s work bridges microstructural and macroscopic material behaviors, with applications spanning from MEMS devices to asteroid impact phenomena. His research has produced over 50 peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing dynamic failure, shock response, and material fragmentation under extreme conditions. Key contributions include advancements in schlieren imaging for stress field analysis and fracture mechanics of reactive materials.

• Honors and Awards:
  • J.W. Dally Young Investigator Award (2019)
  • J.O. Smith Excellence in Teaching Award (2001)

His recent studies explore fragmentation behavior, explosive loading effects on polymers, and the development of self-sensing composites using mechanoluminescent materials. Collaborations span academia and industry, addressing challenges in aerospace, defense, and energy sectors.