Nikhil Chandra Admal

Nikhil Chandra Admal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, where he has held this position since January 2019. His research focuses on interfacial mechanics, atomistic origins of continuum theories, and nanomechanics, with applications in 2D materials, grain boundaries, and crystal plasticity. He also held an Adjunct Assistant Professor role (2018–2019) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA’s Materials Science and Engineering department (2014–2019).

Education:

• Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Minnesota (2014)
• M.S. Mathematics and M.S. Aerospace Engineering, University of Minnesota (2011, 2010)
• B.Tech/M.Tech (Dual) Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (2006)

Research Highlights: Dr. Admal’s work bridges atomistic and continuum scales, particularly in analyzing dislocations, grain boundary mechanics, and interfacial phenomena in materials like graphene and polycrystals. His recent studies include superlubricity in bilayer graphene, stochastic models for grain evolution, and mechanics-driven surface faceting in 2D heterostructures.

Awards: He received the 2023 Early Career Award and CAREER Award, along with the IDRE Postdoctoral Fellowship (2016). His work has been recognized in journal articles and conference proceedings, with over 30 peer-reviewed publications to date.

Teaching & Service: Teaches courses such as TAM 210 (Statics), TAM 445 (Continuum Mechanics), and TAM 574 (Advanced Finite Element Methods). Active in organizing conferences like USACM and USNCCM, and chairs the USACM Nanotechnology Thrust Area. Holds leadership roles in professional societies including the United States Association for Computational Mechanics.