Kevin Pipe

Kevin Pipe is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, and Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering, where he also serves as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education. He holds a Ph.D. (2004) and dual bachelor's/master's degrees (1999) in Electrical Engineering from MIT. His research focuses on microscale heat transfer in electronic/optoelectronic devices, thermoelectric energy conversion, and medical thermal applications. Key projects include molecularly engineered high-conductivity polymers, phase-change materials for thermal management, and cryoanesthesia devices. His work has been featured in Wired and Phys.org, and he received the DARPA Young Faculty Award (2009) and ME Achievement Award (2008).

Research collaborations include work with MSE Professor Jinsang Kim’s group on polymer thermal conductivity and computational sprinting projects with computer science partners. His lab explores thermal interfaces in high-power diode lasers, spinal cool-sensing circuits, and ultra-rapid cooling anesthesia systems. Over 60 peer-reviewed articles and patents document his contributions to thermal sciences and materials engineering. Current efforts emphasize translating lab innovations into clinical and industrial applications.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in EE, MIT (2004)
  • M.Eng. in EECS, MIT (1999)
  • S.B. in EECS, MIT (1999)
• Key Awards:
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Young Faculty Award (2009)
  • ME Achievement Award (2008)
• Lab Focus Areas:
  • Thermal management of microelectronics
  • Thermoelectric materials
  • Medical thermal devices

Grant activities include DARPA-funded projects and industry partnerships. His interdisciplinary approach bridges mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering to address thermal challenges in computing and healthcare.