Faculty Directory

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
• M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
• B.S. Physics, Saint Joseph's University

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Gianna M. Valentino joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in 2023, with an affiliated appointment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Valentino's expertise lies at the intersection between mechanics and materials, with particular emphasis on structural materials. Her research vision is to investigate a pathway for the scalable processing of nanostructured materials, understand their deformation mechanisms, and optimize their functionality for operations in extreme environments. Her research group uses advanced manufacturing methods to tailor damage pathways in materials via interfacial control and advanced characterization techniques to elucidate their underlying mechanisms and manipulate material properties. 

• Structural materials
• Metallurgy
• Deformation mechanisms
• Materials for extreme environments
• Far-from-equilibrium processing (e.g., metal additive manufacturing, sputter deposition)
• Process-structure-property relationships

ENMA 362: Mechanical Properties

The main objective of this course is to understand the properties and mechanisms that control the mechanical behavior of materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. In addition to a theoretical understanding of mechanical properties, this course will also teach experimental methods used to determine various mechanical properties of engineering materials.

ENMA 470: Materials Selection for Engineering Design

The main objective of this course is to apply knowledge of fundamental materials science to aid in the proper selection of material and process combinations that will best suit a given application. This course is designed to facilitate sensible material choices to avoid catastrophic failures leading to the loss of life and property.