Michael Dickey is a 2025 Materials Research Society Fellow

Prof. Michael Dickey is a 2025 Materials Research Society Fellow! He is being recognized for contributions to innovation of soft materials including liquid metal alloy research, self-folding polymer origami, and a new type of materials called “glassy gels”.

At NC State, the Dickey group is studying new ways to pattern, actuate, and control soft materials (gels, polymers, liquid metals). A common theme of their projects is the importance of thin films, interfacial phenomena, and microfabrication. Their approach is to (i) elucidate the fundamental properties of materials such that they can be harnessed in a useful manner, and (ii) develop new, unconventional approaches to fabricate, actuate, and assemble these materials. Applications of the research include patterning, 3D printing, stretchable / soft electronics, self-folding, actuation of soft robotics, wearable electronics, energy harvesting devices, reconfigurable circuits, and microfluidics.

When asked about the importance of this recognition, Prof. Dickey said, “The Materials Research Society has been a professional ‘home’ for me during my career, which gives this recognition extra meaning to me.  Many researchers that I admire are MRS Fellows, so it is an honor to be included among them.”