Sean Corcoran

Sean Corcoran is the Interim Department Head and Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. He holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University (1990, 1992, 1994). His research focuses on atomic-scale mechanisms in electrochemical processes, including electrodeposition, corrosion, and the fabrication of nanoporous metals using advanced techniques like nanoindentation and scanning probe microscopy. He also explores applications of electrochemical processing in sustainable materials engineering.

His work emphasizes nanoporous metal structures, corrosion dynamics, and surface modification techniques. Key contributions include studies on dealloying mechanisms, mechanical behavior of porous materials, and the development of eco-friendly electropolishing methods for metals like niobium. His research integrates experimental methods (e.g., small-angle neutron scattering) with computational modeling to understand material behavior at the nanoscale.

Corcoran’s publications span over three decades, reflecting his deep expertise in electrochemical systems and materials characterization. His work has implications for energy storage, catalysis, and advanced manufacturing. He currently oversees the Materials Science and Engineering department at Virginia Tech, contributing to academic leadership and interdisciplinary research initiatives.