Rick Ubic

Rick Ubic is a Professor at Boise State University's Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering. He holds a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Sheffield (1998) and has a research focus on structural characterization of graphite and electroceramics, structure-property relationships, hybrid perovskite photovoltaics, and correlative modeling of perovskites. His work has been recognized through prestigious awards including the Robert L. Coble Award for Young Scholars (2004) and the Foundation Scholar Award (2017).

• B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University
• Ph.D. in Materials Science, University of Sheffield

His research spans empirical modeling of perovskite lattice constants, neutron irradiation effects on nuclear graphite, and microwave dielectric ceramics. Key methodologies include transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and correlative computational modeling.

Recent publications (2024-2025) focus on improving lattice parameter prediction models for perovskites, τf measurement techniques for microwave ceramics, and crystallographic analysis of ordered structures. These works emphasize precision in structural modeling and defect characterization.

Scientific Awards:

• Berthold Eichler Memorial Prize (1998)
• Edward C. Henry Best Paper Award (2003)
• Robert L. Coble Award for Young Scholars (2004)
• Edgar Andrews Best Journal Article Prize (2006)
• Foundation Scholar Award (2017)

Ubic actively contributes to NSF-funded programs like REU Site: Materials for Society and has participated in nuclear energy research through the Nuclear Energy University Program since 2009, focusing on irradiation creep in graphite and mesoscale modeling of irradiated materials.