Elizabeth Dickey
Department Head and Teddy and Wilton Hawkins Distinguished Professor, Materials Science and Engineering
Elizabeth Dickey’s research focuses on developing processing-structure-property relationships for material systems in which the macroscopic physical properties (mechanical, electrical, thermal, etc.) are governed by grain boundaries or internal interfaces. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the role of grain boundary chemistry on electrical and chemical transport. In addition, she is interested in understanding the role of microstructure and interfaces on the mechanical properties of eutectic ceramic composites, which are being developed for high-temperature and armor applications. Her research involves using an array of analytical techniques, in particular electron microscopy and spectroscopy, to understand the structure and chemistry of internal defects in materials.
Dickey received her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University. Before joining CMU, she spent a decade with the Materials Science and Engineering Department at North Carolina State University (NCSU) as a professor, and later as Associate Department Head. She has more than 200 publications in these areas with more than 20,000 citations. Her awards and honors include:
- Fellow of AAAS
- Fellow of the American Ceramic Society
- Fellow of the Microscopy Society of America
- World Academy of Ceramics Academician
- NCSU Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Professorship
- Richard M. Fulrath Award, American Ceramic Society
- Northwestern University Early Career Achievement Award for Alumni in MSE
- Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)
Electron Microscopy for Engineering Better Materials
Education
Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University
B.S. Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky
Media mentions
Materials Science and Engineering
Dickey named MRS Fellow
Elizabeth Dickey has been named a 2025 Materials Research Society Fellow in recognition of her accomplishments in the use of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to advance the understanding of nanomaterials, dielectric materials, ferroelectric switching, and high entropy oxides.
Materials Science and Engineering
Proximity effect shows potential for more efficient electronics
The newly discovered method of layering non-ferroelectric and ferroelectric materials could be applied to semiconductor and optoelectronic devices.
Mellon College of Science
Dickey researches a new class of metal nanoparticles
Elizabeth Dickey is researching a new class of metal nanoparticles as part of a New Initiatives grant from the Kaufman Foundation.
The American Ceramic Society
Dickey at the 2023 American Ceramic Society Annual meeting
MSE Head Elizabeth Dickey attended the American Ceramic Society’s 125th Annual meeting at the Materials Science & Technology technical meeting and exhibition where she delivered the Robert B. Sosman lecture and was honored as this year’s Sosman awardee.
Materials Science and Engineering
Rising Stars workshop hosted at CMU
Doctoral and postdoctoral scholars from around the country convened at CMU for a program focused on developing their academic careers in MSE.
Materials Science and Engineering
Making international research connections
Eight students participated in a 10-week summer research program at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom.
Physics World
Dickey uses novel methods to analyze ferroelectric materials
MSE Head Elizabeth Dickey and her team of researchers are collaborating with groups at Penn State University to study ferroelectric materials. Together, the groups are combining their skills to analyze the structure of alloyed aluminum nitride films using transmission electron microscopy.
Materials Science and Engineering
Novel ferroelectrics for more efficient microelectronics
A team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Penn State University are exploring electronic materials that have potential to make computer processors more energy efficient.
Materials Science and Engineering
MSE students join international research community
Two CMU MSE students had the opportunity to perform cutting-edge research in Sheffield, England as part of The International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) this past summer.
Sosman Award Committee
Dickey wins Sosman award
MSE Head Elizabeth Dickey is the recipient of the 2023 Sosman Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in basic science that results in a significant impact and advancement in the field of ceramics.
CMU Engineering
CMU women shift the dynamic in materials science leadership
Elizabeth Dickey, Materials Science and Engineering department head, and alumnae Carolyn Duran (MSE ’92) and Ellen Cerreta (MSE ’01) are increasing female representation in materials through their executive roles in professional societies for scientists and engineers.
CMU Engineering
Revisiting steel
Advancing modern steel research allows us to access unique properties while lowering the carbon footprint, and it’s important for education.