Robert W. Carpick

Robert W. Carpick is the John Henry Towne Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at the University of Pennsylvania. He served as Department Chair from 2011 to 2019 and holds a secondary appointment in Materials Science and Engineering. Previously, he was a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed postdoctoral research at Sandia National Laboratories.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physics, University of California, Berkeley (1997)
• M.A. in Physics, University of California, Berkeley (1994)
• B.Sc. in Physics, University of Toronto (1991)

Research Focus: Dr. Carpick leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of mechanics, materials science, and physics. His group investigates atomic-scale origins of tribology phenomena (friction, wear, adhesion, lubrication) using scanning probe microscopy, surface science techniques, and synchrotron radiation. Key research areas include nanostructured carbon films, 2D materials (graphene, MoS2), lubricant additives, and mechanochemistry. Applications span MEMS/NEMS, hard disk technology, protective coatings, and nanomanufacturing.

Publication Trends: Recent articles (2024-2025) demonstrate strong focus on nanoscale tribology mechanisms, 2D material behavior under stress (particularly graphene auto-kirigami), mechanochemistry, tribofilm dynamics, and novel characterization techniques. Work frequently combines experimental methods (in situ TEM, AFM) with computational modeling.

Awards and Honors:

• Fellow of five major societies: ASME, MRS, STLE, AVS, APS
• R&D 100 Award (2009) for diamond AFM probes
• Burt L. Newkirk Award (2009) for tribology research
• NSF CAREER Award (2002-2006)
• Outstanding New Mechanics Educator (ASEE 2003)
• Multiple NSERC Canada fellowships

Leadership and Collaboration: Directs the Carpick Nanotribology Group with active DOE/NSF funding ($1.9M DOE grant for anti-wear coatings). Current research includes collaborations with the Tertuliano Lab on 3D graphite nanostructures and the NSF Center for Mechanical Control of Chemistry. Serves on editorial boards of Tribology Letters and Advanced Materials Interfaces.