Dr. Katsuyo Thornton

Professor

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Biography

Katsuyo Thornton is a faculty member in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan, serving as the L.H. F.E. Van Vlack Professor. She obtained her B.S. with honors in Physics from Iowa State University in 1991, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the University of Chicago in 1993 and 1997, respectively. Thornton’s research focuses on computational theoretical investigations of microstructures, nanostructures, and the processing of operations. Her work facilitates the understanding of the underlying physics of materials aimed at designing advanced materials with desirable properties. Specific topics within her research include coarsening of elastically stressed solids, evolution of topologically complex systems in varying dimensions, simulations of electrochemical systems, and self-assembly of quantum dots as well as nanoscale phenomena in heteroepitaxy of semiconductors using large-scale simulations. Thornton has served in various academic positions, advancing through ranks from Assistant Professor to Professor. She has also been recognized with multiple awards for her contributions to the field, including Fellow of ASM and TMS Brimacombe Medal in 2018, reflecting her impactful work and dedication to materials science.

Research Interests

Experience

L.H. F.E. Van Vlack Professor

— Present

University of Michigan • Ann Arbor, MI

Leading research and academic duties in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

Professor

— Present

University of Michigan • Ann Arbor, MI

Teaching and conducting research within the department.

Associate Professor

— Present

University of Michigan • Ann Arbor, MI

Engaged in teaching and research activities.

Assistant Professor

— Present

University of Michigan • Ann Arbor, MI

Started academic career within the department.

Research Assistant Professor

— Present

Northwestern University • Evanston, IL

Conducted research in Materials Science and Engineering.

Visiting Lecturer

— Present

Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA

Provided lectures in Materials Science.

Visiting Scientist

— Present

Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA

Contributed to research projects in Materials Science.

Postdoctoral Fellow

— Present

Northwestern University • Evanston, IL

Worked on postdoctoral research in Materials Science and Engineering.

Awards

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Fellow

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TMS Brimacombe Medal

#

Eschbach Fellow

#

Ted Kennedy Family Faculty Team Excellence Award

#

Jon R. Beverly S. Holt Award for Excellence in Teaching

#

TMS Materials Processing & Manufacturing Division Distinguished Service Award

#

MSE Department Achievement Award

#

Inaugural Chair, TMS ICME Technical Committee

#

NSF CAREER Award

#

TMS Early Career Faculty Fellow Award

#

Elizabeth C. Crosby Research Award

#

Carl Sagan Award for Excellence in Teaching

Requirements for University of Michigan

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Total
Required:84
GRE General
Verbal
Required:155
Verbal Percentile
Required:50
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:50
Analytical Writing
Required:3.6
Writing Percentile
Required:50
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree in engineering, physics, or mathematics Calculus Physics
Application Checklist
  • Rackham Graduate School Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science