Dr. Michael Bedzyk

Professor

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Biography

Michael Bedzyk is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University. He is also the Co-Director of the Northwestern Synchrotron Research Center. His research group focuses on the development of novel X-ray probes for atomic-scale characterization of surfaces, interfaces, ultra-thin films, and nanostructures. The group takes advantage of an in-house X-ray lab and makes extensive use of synchrotron X-ray facilities, enhancing chemical and structural sensitivity for studying systems at atomic monolayer concentrations. His work employs conventional X-ray scattering techniques and includes the development of novel methods for generating X-ray standing waves with characteristic length scales ranging from nanometers to micrometers. Bedzyk's significant contributions include pinpointing lattice locations of adsorbate atoms on crystalline surfaces and investigating the strains in epitaxially grown semiconductor and ferroelectric thin films. He has received numerous recognitions including being a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Physical Society. Bedzyk has actively contributed to professional service including management roles at the DuPont-Northwestern-Dow Collaborative Access Team at the Advanced Photon Source.

Research Interests

Experience

Co-Director

2010-01-01 — Present

Northwestern Synchrotron Research Center • Evanston, IL

Led research initiatives and development of synchrotron-based experiments.

Professor

2000-01-01 — Present

Northwestern University • Evanston, IL

Conducted research and taught courses in materials science and physics.

Awards

#

Fellow

2012-01-01
#

Fellow

1998-01-01
#

Bertram Eugene Warren Diffraction Physics Award

1994-01-01

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in CS, EE, CE or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • 2-3 Letters of recommendation
  • Academic Statement
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required for Fall 2026 applications in Computer Science.

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
BS in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • 2 Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required for the MS program in Mechanical Engineering.

Doctorate Program
Requirements
Prerequisites
1 year Biology with lab 1 year General Chemistry with lab 1 year Organic Chemistry with lab 1 year Physics with lab English composition
Application Checklist
  • AMCAS Application
  • MCAT Scores
  • Feinberg Secondary Application
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Clinical experience
Specialization Notes

Feinberg School of Medicine MD program does not have strict minimums but is highly competitive.

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GMAT
Total Score
Required:731
Overall
Required:731
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • GMAT or GRE score
  • Transcripts
  • Essays
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Video Essays
  • Interview
Specialization Notes

GMAT 731 is the average, not a strict minimum. No preference between GMAT and GRE.

Master Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:85
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:125
Overall
Required:125
Prerequisites
Bachelor of Music or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Bienen Graduate Application
  • Prescreening recording (if applicable)
  • Audition
  • Transcripts
  • 2 Letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Personal Statement
Specialization Notes

Specific minimums for Duolingo (125) and TOEFL (85) for MM applicants.