Michael Mills

Michael Mills is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Ohio State University, where he also holds the Taine G. McDougal Professorship in Engineering. His career spans academic and industrial research, including appointments at Sandia National Laboratories and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

• Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University (1985)

Mills' research focuses on the interplay between microstructure and mechanical properties of materials, particularly high-temperature alloys, superalloys, and additive-manufactured metals. His team leverages advanced microscopy at the Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis (CEMAS) to study deformation mechanisms in systems like BCC-superalloys, Ni-based superalloys, and high-entropy alloys.

Recent publications highlight trends in phase transformations, deformation twinning, and creep behavior across materials such as refractory alloys, shape memory alloys, and additive-manufactured NiTi. His work emphasizes multi-scale characterization and thermodynamically driven design frameworks.

• Scientific Awards
  • Taine G. McDougal Professorship in Engineering
  • Honorary Doctorate from Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany (2022)
  • Heyn Memorial Medal from German Materials Society (2021)
  • Oleg D. Sherby Award (2019)
  • Alexander von Humboldt Research Award (2019)
  • College of Engineering Faculty Mentoring Award (2019)
  • Fellow, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (2015)
  • Fellow, American Society for Metals (2011)
  • Alexander Von Humboldt Research Fellowship (1996)

Mills has mentored junior faculty and led peer mentorship initiatives. He serves as Chair of his department and contributes to global research through leadership roles, including organizing international conferences and grants for additive-enabled oxide dispersion strengthened superalloys.