Kathleen Sevener

Kathleen Sevener is a Lecturer and Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she has held dual appointments since 2016 while also serving as an Undergraduate Advisor and Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Materials from the University of California, Santa Barbara (1999)
• B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University (1994)

Dr. Sevener's research critically examines materials behavior in extreme environments, with specialized focus on ceramic matrix composites for hypersonic systems and turbine engines. Her experimental methodology bridges thermodynamic principles with macroscopic performance, investigating how thermal-chemical degradation mechanisms impact structural integrity in aerospace and energy applications through rigorous materials testing.

Her professional recognition includes:

• Summer Faculty Fellow at Air Force Research Laboratory (three consecutive appointments)

As Undergraduate Advisor, she guides MSE students through academic planning while teaching graduate-level composite materials courses. Her industry background at Aerojet Rocketdyne and Valparaiso University faculty experience inform her approach to translating experimental research into practical engineering solutions, though specific grant details remain undisclosed in source materials.

Her experimental work operates within University of Michigan's materials characterization facilities, focusing on validation of computational design tools through empirical testing of ceramics under simulated operational stresses.