Matthew Rosenberger, assistant professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering at the University of Notre Dame, has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to early-career faculty.
Rosenberger’s research focuses on the analysis and manipulation of nanomaterials, particularly those that can be used in potentially transformative communications, computing, and sensing technologies.
His CAREER research project aims to develop innovative, cost-effective techniques for using the atomic force microscope — a nanoscale imaging tool — to better understand the mechanical, electronic and chemical properties of nanomaterials.
Rosenberger and his research group are particularly interested in using these techniques to identify materials suitable for the fabrication of quantum light emitters, a key component in next-generation technologies.
For the educational part of his CAREER project, Rosenberger will develop online and in-person tutorials on advanced functionalities of the atomic force microscope. He also will develop math and microscopy demonstrations for local middle- and high-school students to spark interest in science and engineering.
Rosenberger received his master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He completed his research training as a postdoctoral associate at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory before joining the Notre Dame faculty in 2021.
— Karla Cruise, Notre Dame College of Engineering