Dr. Michael Falk

Biography

Michael Falk is a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, where he also serves as Vice Dean for Undergraduate Education in the Whiting School of Engineering since July 2017. His research primarily focuses on computational materials science, particularly on understanding how materials behave when subjected to extreme conditions. This includes the study of metals processing, additive manufacturing, amorphous glass materials, and mechanical properties. Falk's work involves utilizing computer simulations to explore atomic-scale interactions in materials, especially as they undergo changes such as bending, breaking, or sliding friction. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Physics (1990) and a master’s in Computer Science (1991) from Johns Hopkins, he completed his PhD in Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He began his academic career as a computational materials scientist at the University of Michigan in 2000 before returning to Johns Hopkins in 2008. He is a strong advocate for diversity and works to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ individuals in the engineering and physics fields.

Research Interests

Experience