Robert V. Kukta

Education

• Brown University, Ph.D. 1998 (Engineering)
• Brown University, M.S. 1997 (Applied Mathematics)
• Brown University, M.S. 1996 (Engineering)
• University of Pittsburgh, B.S. 1993

 

Professional Experience

• Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stony Brook University, 1999-Present

 

Research Interests and History

Robert Kukta completed his Ph.D. at Brown University in 1998 and spent almost two years as a postdoctoral scholar at the California Institute of Technology prior to arriving at Stony Brook in the fall of 1999. His research involves the mathematical modeling and simulation of microstructural evolution in solids with a particular emphasis on materials in thin film configurations for microelectronic device applications. In a general sense, his interest is in establishing links between macroscopic observation and micro- and nanomechanical processes. Recent focus has been on studying the dynamics of dislocations and interface steps with the use of continuum, micromechanical models. Other areas of interest include crystal growth, kinetics of strain relaxation in thin films, stress driven instabilities, and compliant substrate systems. Robert Kukta is a member of the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, and the Material Research Society.