Kevin Hemker

Kevin Hemker is the Alonzo G. Decker Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, affiliated with the Whiting School of Engineering and holding joint appointments in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. He earned his BS in metallurgy from the University of Cincinnati in 1985 and MS and PhD in materials science and engineering from Stanford University (1987, 1990), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in physics at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne. Since joining Johns Hopkins in 1993, he has pioneered research on materials behavior across multiple scales, from atomic-level mechanics to macro-scale architected materials.

• Education: BS (1985, University of Cincinnati), MS (1987, Stanford), PhD (1990, Stanford)

His research focuses on materials science and engineering, particularly nanocrystalline materials, metallic micro-lattices, thermal barrier coatings, and additive manufacturing. He leads projects on topological optimization of 3D lattice materials, deformation behavior of nanocrystalline thin films, and vapor phase alloying for high-temperature applications. His group has also explored 3D textile manufacturing, fused filament fabrication (FFF) of polymers, and mechanical damping in metallic lattices.

Recent projects include collaborations with Georgetown University via a $1.6 million NSF DMREF grant to study FFF-printed polymers and the development of nanotwinned-NiMoW alloys for advanced MEMS sensors. His work spans multidisciplinary applications, from satellite thermal protection systems to armor ceramics and NASA’s DART mission (via alumni like Betsy Cogdon).

• Scientific Awards:
  • TMS Oleg D. Sherby Award (2025)
  • ASM International Silver Medal
  • Fellowships: AAAS, ASME, ASM International, TMS

Leadership and Service: Hemker served as TMS President (2018), edited Scripta Materialia (2004-2011), and held roles at DARPA (2010-2015). He founded the Johns Hopkins Center for Additive Manufacturing and Architected Materials (JAM2) and sponsors research with the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, NASA, and DOE.