Rebecca Anthony

Rebecca Anthony is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State University's College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota (2011) and a B.S. in Physics from Carleton College (2003). Her research focuses on plasma-based synthesis of semiconductor nanostructures, gas-phase processing, and functionalization of nanomaterials for energy and biomedical applications. Key research areas include silicon nanocrystals for light-emitting diodes, solar cells, and imaging agents.

Her work has led to innovations in stretchable nanoparticle films, tunable optical films, and plasma-pen deposition techniques. She has been recognized with the 2020-2021 Sustained Excellence in Diversity Award. Her publications span over 20 years, addressing topics from nanocrystal photoluminescence to plasma reactor optimization. She leads the Plasmas and Nanomaterials Lab, collaborating on projects such as gallium nitride nanoparticles and hybrid nanocomposites for environmental and energy applications.

Her lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining mechanical engineering with materials science and plasma physics. Ongoing projects include developing luminescent solar concentrators and studying mechanical instabilities in nanocrystal films. Students and postdocs in her group have presented at conferences like IMECE and the Michigan Institute of Plasma Science and Engineering (MIPSE) Symposia.