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Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Michael Dickey

MD
man with short blonde hair wearing a plaid shirt and striped tie

Camille and Henry Dreyfus Professor, University Faculty Scholar & Associate Department Head

Engineering Building I (EB1) 2012

919-513-0273 Website

Bio

The Dickey group is studying new ways to pattern, actuate, and control soft materials (gels, polymers, liquid metals). A common theme of our projects is the importance of thin films, interfacial phenomena, and microfabrication. Our approach is to (i) elucidate the fundamental properties of materials such that they can be harnessed in a useful manner, and (ii) develop new, unconventional approaches to fabricate, actuate, and assemble these materials. Applications of the research include patterning, 3D printing, stretchable / soft electronics, self-folding, actuation of soft robotics, wearable electronics, energy harvesting devices, reconfigurable circuits, and microfluidics..

We are also interested in photo-curable polymeric materials, particularly those used in both photo- and imprint lithography. The properties (curing speed, sensitivity, elemental composition, dielectric constant, mechanical properties, viscosity, etc.) of these materials must be tailored and optimized depending on the application.

Check out The Dickey Group’s YouTube page.

Publications

View on Google Scholar

Education

Postdoctoral Fellow Chemistry Harvard University 2008

PhD The University of Texas at Austin Chemical Engineering 2006

MS The University of Texas at Austin Chemical Engineering 2003

BS Chemical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology 1999

Area(s) of Expertise

Soft Materials
Interfaces
Microfabrication
Liquid Metals
Polymers/Gels
Stretchable & Wearable Electronics
Energy Harvesting
Soft Robots

Groups

  • Fellow, Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement Award (2023)
  • Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Professor Award (2023)
  • R.J. Reynolds Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research & Extension (2021)
  • Alumni Association Outstanding Research Award (2020)
  • Outstanding Research Mentor Award (2020)
  • American Chemical Society Distinguished Speaker of the Year, NC Chapter (2020)
  • Distinguished Leadership and Contributions to Scientific Research Award, Sigma Xi (2019)
  • Member: Defense Science Study Group (DSSG 2018-2019) (2017)
  • NC State Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor (2017)
  • Alcoa Foundation Distinguished Engineering Research Award (2017)
  • Curtis W. McGraw Research Award (2016)
  • SPIE Nanoengineering Award (2016)
  • Selectee: NAE Frontiers of Engineering Research Symposium (2014)
  • ASEE Southeastern Section New Faculty Research Award (2013)
  • Selectee: NAE Frontiers of Engineering Education Symposium (2013)
  • University Faculty Scholar (2013)
  • Outstanding Teacher Award – Member of the Academy of Outstanding Teachers at NC State University (2012)
  • Sigma Xi Faculty Award (2011)
  • NSF CAREER Award (2010)