Dr. Matt Pharr has been named a J. Mike Walker ‘66 Faculty Fellow. Pharr, assistant professor in the J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, joined Texas A&M University in 2016.
His current research focuses on materials for energy storage and conversion, deformation and fracture of soft materials, the mechanics of flexible and wearable electronic devices, the mechanics of irradiated materials, coupled electro-chemo-mechanics and mass transport in materials.
“Dr. Pharr demonstrates a genuine and impressive commitment to the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, his research, and the education of future leaders," said Dr. Andreas A. Polycarpou, mechanical engineering department head and James J. Cain Chair Professor. "We are fortunate to have him as a part of our faculty and look forward to further accomplishments in the future. He is well deserving of the J. Mike Walker ’66 Faculty Fellow title.”
Pharr, a recipient of the 2020 National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development award, said he is honored to receive the fellowship and is deeply grateful to the Walker family for their support.
"The fellowship will allow me to pursue some new ideas for research in mechanics of materials, establish new collaborations, and develop augmented and virtual reality learning modules to enhance student learning experiences," said Pharr.