Education

• Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University, 2005
• M.S., The Pennsylvania State University, 2002
• Diplôme d’Ingénieur, MINES ParisTech, 2000

Background

Dr. Pierron joined Georgia Tech in summer 2007. Prior, he was a senior engineer at the R&D center of Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc. in San Jose, California.

Research

• Mechanics of Materials and Micro and Nano Engineering: Nanomechanics, thin film mechanics, fatigue, fracture, plasticity.

Prof. Pierron’s research program focuses on the mechanics of small-scale materials (such as thin films, nanoscale coatings and microscale components), with emphasis on their degradation properties (fracture and fatigue). The scientific contribution of his research is to understand the fundamental degradation mechanisms of materials and the associated size and environmental effects at the nano- and micro-scales. This knowledge is crucial to assess and improve the reliability of devices and systems fabricated with emerging technologies, such as MEMS/NEMS and flexible electronics devices, for applications in energy, environment, health and security systems. Prof. Pierron and his students investigate these fundamental issues by developing novel experimental micro- and nano-mechanical testing techniques. His research is currently sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and NextFlex.