Susan Sinnott

Susan B. Sinnott is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemistry at Pennsylvania State University, where she served as Department Head of Materials Science and Engineering from 2015 until 2025. She is affiliated with the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS). Dr. Sinnott leads the Penn State Intercollege Graduate Degree Program (IGDP) in Materials Science and Engineering, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration in research.

Her educational background includes a B.S. in Chemistry with honors from the University of Texas (1987) and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Iowa State University (1993). Prior to joining Penn State, she held faculty positions at the University of Florida, where she was promoted to Professor of Materials Science and Engineering in 2005, and the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Sinnott's research focuses on computational materials science, with particular expertise in atomistic simulations of nanomaterials, two-dimensional materials, polymer-based electrolytes, and high-entropy materials. Her work bridges the gap between theoretical modeling and experimental validation, contributing significantly to the understanding of materials at the atomic scale. She has developed innovative computational methods, including the charge optimized many-body (COMB) potentials, which have been incorporated into open-source molecular dynamics software.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on cutting-edge materials discovery, including high-entropy oxides, perovskite materials, and doped semiconductor systems. These works reflect her interdisciplinary approach that combines computational modeling with experimental insights to address challenges in energy storage, electronics, and advanced materials design.

• AVS Medard W. Welch Award (2022)
• Penn State Faculty Scholar Medal for Outstanding Achievement (2022)
• Fellow of the American Physical Society (since 2013)
• Fellow of the Materials Research Society (since 2012)
• Fellow of the American Ceramic Society (since 2011)
• Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (since 2010)
• Fellow of the American Vacuum Society (since 2005)

Dr. Sinnott has successfully mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with several earning awards for their research excellence. Her group has secured significant research funding from the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy, supporting projects that investigate bimetallic nanoalloys, glass surface mechanics, and electrocatalytic systems. She also leads initiatives to improve undergraduate education in materials science, reflecting her commitment to both research and teaching excellence.

The Sinnott Research Group maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines and institutions, with a strong emphasis on developing computational tools that advance the field of materials science. The group regularly participates in major conferences and workshops, contributing to the broader scientific community through knowledge sharing and professional development activities.