Faculty Directory

Briber, Robert M.

Briber, Robert M.

Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives
Associate Dean for Research
Professor
Fellow, APS
Fellow, Neutron Scattering Society of America
Materials Science and Engineering
Maryland Energy Innovation Institute
3110B Kim Eng. Bldg. / 1109 Chemical and Nuclear Eng. Bldg.

EDUCATION

  • Ph.D., Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts
  • B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • American Physical Society, Fellow (elected 1995)
  • Department of Commerce Bronze Medal, December 1990
  • Electron Microscope Society of America Presidential Student Scholarship, 1982
  • Editor, Journal of Polymer Science—Polymer Physics Edition (01/1999-01/2007)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Professional Elected Offices
  • Neutron Scattering Society of America, President 2002-2005
  • Neutron Scattering Society of America, vice president 1999-2002
  • Member-at-Large to the Executive Committee of the Division of Polymer Physics, American Physical Society, 1999-2002
Professional Memberships
  • Electec to the ASEE Engineering Research Council Board of Directors 2017-2021
  • American Physical Society (Fellow)
  • Neutron Scattering Society of America (Fellow)
  • Materials Research Society
  • American Chemical Society
  • Biophysical Society
Professional Committee Memberships
  • Member of the ASEE Engineering Research Council Board of Directors 2017-2020
  • NIST Center for Neutron Research Program Advisory Committee, member 1999 to 2004
  • University of Chicago Review Committee for the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source at Argonne National Laboratory 1997, 1999, 2001
  • Large Length Scales Working Group, Spallation Neutron Source, Oak Ridge National Lab, Dept. of Energy, November 1998
  • Basic Energy Science Advisory Committee Review of the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Lab, October 1998
  • Scheduling Committee, American Physical Society, Division of High Polymer Physics March Meeting, 1994-1998
  • Los Alamos—Argonne National Laboratory Pulsed Neutron Source Program Advisory Committee 1993-1997 (Chair 1996-97)
  • Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Research Award Committee, 1994-1997
  • American Physical Society Division of High Polymer Physics Nominations Committee
  • NASA Microgravity Research Review Panel for Polymers, 1995, 1997

Polymer science, polymer physics, biopolymers, X-ray and neutron scattering, polymer thermodynamics, structure and morphology of polymers.


Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on the planet and can form the basis for sustainable advanced materials.  We are exploring all-cellulose nanocomposites, sythesis of cellulose oligomers through acid hydrolysis and the solubility and properties of cellulose/ionic liquid solutions.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocomposites with Improved Flammability

Polymer nanocomposites formed from layered silicates have been shown to have improved mechanical properties silicate is distributed in an exfoliated or intercalated morphology. We are working with collaborators in both the Fire Protection Engineering Department at the University of Maryland and the Fire Research Division at NIST to synthesis and characterize polymer nanocomposites with improved flammability.

Folding of RNA

RNAs perform many biological functions by folding into specific three-dimensional structures. Understanding how RNAs fold is crucial for understanding the assembly of RNA-protein complexes such as the ribosome, the regulation of gene expression by RNA, and the engineering of RNA sensors and "riboswitches". In the presence of counterions, RNAs collapse into compact intermediates, which subsequently fold into the native tertiary structure. We are addressing these questions using X-ray and neutron scattering to address the structure, kinetics and dynamics of the RNA folding process.

Professor Briber teaches a range of classes at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

At the undergraduate level he has taught:

  • ENES 100: Introduction to Engineering Design
  • ENMA 150: Materials of Civilization

    This is an I-Series Course and a University of Maryland Marquee Science and Technology Course designed for non-science majors. 
  • ENMA 300: Introduction to Materials and Their Applications
  • ENMA 423: Manufacturing with Polymers

At the graduate level, Dr. Briber has taught:

  • ENMA 620: Polymer Physics (MSE Graduate Program core course)
  • ENMA 661: Kinetics of Reactions in Materials (MSE Graduate Program core course)

Maryland Researchers Awarded $1.5 Million to Pioneer Batteries for Electric Rail and Maritime Transportation

New technologies could reduce the carbon footprint attributed to the freight transportation sector.

Celebrating the Life of Manfred Wuttig: Long-Time Educator, Mentor and Friend of the Department

The inaugural chair and professor of the department passed away in December 2023, leaving a mark in a community touched by his kindness, wisdom and passion.

Reflecting on 20 Years of Excellence and Innovation

Materials Science and Engineering celebrated its anniversary on November 7, 2023.

Powering a Greener Future

Engineering Sustainability Day showcases entrepreneurial talent

Robert Briber Appointed Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives

Dr. Briber will assist with presidential initiatives while continuing to serve as the associate dean for research in Engineering at Maryland.

Expanded Wood Fiber for High-Performance Solid-State Paper Batteries

UMD research group invented the first high-performance solid-state paper batteries by a new molecular scale engineering method.

Convocation to Shine Spotlight on Faculty, Staff Accomplishments

Six Clark School faculty and staff will be honored at UMD's 38th annual Convocation on Sept. 15, 2021.

Balachandran Honored with ASME’s Den Hartog, Lyapunov Awards

Recognitions are among the most prestigious in the field.

Maryland Engineering ranked #12 public undergraduate program in the country

For the third consecutive year, the Clark School's rises in U.S. News & World Report ranking.

UMD Leads New $25M NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation

New institute will significantly add to the vibrant quantum research ecosystem established in the mid-Atlantic region.

Hafezi Appointed as Minta Martin Professor of Engineering

Hafezi is known for his contributions in a number of works to synthesize and characterize quantum many-body and topological physics beyond electronic systems.

Celebrating Our LGBTQ+ Community

Engineering is a team profession. Like any great team, we — and the solutions we design — are made better through diversity, equity and inclusion.

Georgia Tech Professor, Researcher Named Dean of Clark School

Mechanical engineering leader Samuel Graham, Jr. to take helm October 1.

Wereley Steps Down as Aero Chair

Professor has led the department during an era of firsts.

Four Clark School Faculty Receive CAREER Awards

Shelby Bensi, Gregg Duncan, Katrina Groth and Katharina Maisel are recipients of NSF CAREER grants.

Standing in Solidarity with our AAPI Community

The current COVID outbreak in India and Nepal is a reminder that we — the world community — are in this together.

Engineering Undergrads Recognized for Excellence

This year, the Clark School honors 70 undergraduates who exemplify the college’s commitment to excellence; five are recognized with Dean’s Awards.

Clark School Innovators Honored with Invention of the Year Award Nominations

Among the nine 2021 Invention of the Year nominees, four are led by or include Clark School researchers.

Maryland Joins NSF-funded Effort to Help Set Nation's Direction for Engineering

The Engineering Research Visioning Alliance will convene engineering voices to identify opportunities and priorities for innovative research that benefits society.

Maryland Graduate Engineering Ranked #10 Public in the Nation

From extreme batteries to windows made from wood, Clark School’s trendsetting work ranks it among the country’s Top 10 public engineering schools for the 3rd consecutive year.

Standing with our Asian-American Community

The Clark School community stands united with our Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islanders colleagues.

New undergraduate minor in robotics and autonomous systems

The Maryland Robotics Center will administer the program, which begins in Fall 2021.

IonQ: From Maryland to Wall Street

The College Park-headquartered company, rooted in UMD research, announced plans to go public today.

UMD Alumni Jones, Laroia Elected to National Academy of Engineering

Christopher T. Jones (Ph.D. '97) and Rajiv Laroia (M.S. '89, Ph.D. '92) have been elected to the 2021 Class of the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional recognitions in an engineer's career.

Clark School's Online Engineering Programs Now Ranked in Top 15 Nationally

The programs rose to No. 15 in U.S. News & World Report's Ranking of Best Online Engineering Graduate Programs

Maryland Robotics Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Research and education hub continues to expand programs, outreach

Honoring a Legend: Remember Former Dean George Dieter

It's with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of George Dieter, professor emeritus of mechanical engineering, Glenn L. Martin Institute Professor of Engineering, and dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering from 1977–94.

Seven UMD Engineers Recognized as Highly Cited Researchers

Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers have published multiple papers frequently cited by their peers over the last decade.

J. Gary Eden Inducted Into Innovation Hall of Fame

Eden receives IHOF award for inventions contributing to the development and commercialization of micro-plasma technologies and excimer lasers.

American Helicopter Museum Honors UMD Organ Flight

Aerospace engineering department nets a second Achievement Award.

$100,000 investment from Amazon to power Clark School initiatives in diversity, robotics research and education

Beneficiaries include two Ph.D. fellowships in robotics, the Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering, a robotics capstone course, the Black Engineers Society and the Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers.

Dean Briber Honors Faculty with Research, Teaching Awards

Each year, the dean of the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering honors exemplary faculty members for their dedication to excellence in research and teaching.

Clark School Undergraduate Programs Move Up in U.S. News & World Report Rankings

The Clark School moved up three spots, to No. 22 from 25 nationally, among undergraduate engineering programs in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Colleges report released today. The Clark School ranks as No. 12 among public institutions.

UMD Launches Biocomputational Engineering Degree Program

New undergraduate degree merges biology, data science, and computer programming

Legacy through Impact: Dr. Darryll J. Pines

UMD President-Designate Darryll Pines inspires a culture of excellence at the Clark School, where everyone plays a part.

Hafezi, Hu Named Blavatnik Finalists for Second Straight Year

For the second year in a row, two Clark School faculty members have been named Finalists of the Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists.

Promoting Diversity and Addressing Unconscious Bias

Clark School Dean Robert Briber states that implicit bias that goes unaddressed is not welcome.

2020 Undergraduate Honors and Awards

Sixty-eight undergraduate students from the A. James Clark School of Engineering were recognized with 2020 Annual Engineering Honors and Awards.

Clark School Mourns the Passing of Student Trevor Quinn

Trevor Quinn, a junior studying aerospace engineering, passed away on Friday.

Robert Briber Named Interim Dean of Clark School

Professor Robert Briber has been named Interim Dean of the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering, effective April 1, 2020.

Quantum Materials Symposium to Showcase Local Expertise and Highlight Partnerships in D.C. Region

UMD will hold a one-day symposium focusing on local research into quantum materials on September 26, 2019.

Partnering for Quantum Leaps

For many UMD researchers, partnering with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is key.

Wood-based Technology Creates Electricity from Heat

Briber, Das and Hu make novel heat-conversion membrane

Transportation@Maryland Workshop Promotes Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration on Future Mobility Systems

Participants included researchers from 10 colleges and 15 research centers.

Prof. Ray Phaneuf Appointed Acting Chair of Materials Science and Engineering

Professor Robert M. Briber named Clark School Associate Dean for Research.

New Software Will Enhance Materials Science and Engineering’s Undergraduate Program

UMD wins one of six computational design toolkits from ASM International.

Hu, Leite Named Outstanding Engineer and Scientist of the Year (VIDEO)

Materials Science professors receive awards from the Md. Academy of Sciences and Md. Science Center.

Clark School Announces MRI Program Award Winners

MRI proposals support strategic, interdisciplinary research areas

Nanopaper Featured in Nature Photonics News & Views

Article highlights Hu Group’s recent paper in Nano Letters.

Briber Elected Fellow of the Neutron Scattering Society of America

Professor recognized for research and service.

Koeth Named Acting Director of Radiation Facilities

Research professor will manage training reactor, irradiator and linear accelerators.

Agilent Gift Funds Exploration of Enhanced Sensor Technology

Novel, patterned-gold SERS substrates could lead to new products.

2013 Dinah Berman Memorial Award Given to NanoCenter Member

MSE student honored for academics and service  

Air Force Supports Study on Nanopaper for Electronics, Aircraft

Hu wins prestigious Air Force Young Investigator Award.

"Materials of Civilization" Course Featured in Chronicle of Higher Education

Story highlights UMD's innovative general education curriculum.

Rubloff Co-Authors Major DoE Report on Emerging Energy Technologies

Publication focuses on opportunities in mesoscale science.

Cornett, Karki Selected for Sustainable Energy Workshop in Ethiopia

Grad students to attend Joint U.S.-Africa Materials Initiative Materials Research School.

Maryland Hosts Mid-Atlantic Soft Matter Workshop

Interdisciplinary scientists find a "soft and squishy" common ground.

UMD, NIST Expand Alliance

Partnership supports students, faculty and postdoc research in nanobiotechnology, cybersecurity, computing, and sensors.

Briber Marquee Lecture: "Materials of Civilization"

Talks promote public awareness of science's role in society.

Takeuchi Elected APS Fellow

Cited for pioneering work in combinatorial materials science.

$15M Neutron Scattering Collaboration with NIST Renewed

Briber leads effort to develop new instrumentation, measurement techniques.

In-State Rates For MSE Majors from Delaware

Materials science and engineering undergraduate program joins Academic Common Market.

NIST Awards UM $15.5 Million in Fellowships

Program to benefit Clark School undergraduate and graduate students, research programs.

Oehrlein, Arsenault Highly Cited Worldwide

Professors featured on Thomson Reuters' ISIHighlyCited.com.

NSF Boosts Nanotech Curriculum

Engineering curriculum recognized by NSF and Institute of Physics.

NSF Boosts Nanotech Curriculum

MSE, ME faculty and staff develop new lessons, teaching lab.

New Storage for Hydrogen Fuel

Clark School/NIST collaboration works to make hydrogen fuel a practical reality.

Briber Teaches New "Marquee Course"

Course examines how new materials have shaped history.

New Chair for Materials Science and Engineering

Professor Robert M. Briber will assume the position of chair of the materials science and engineering department, effective July 1, 2003.

Other professional society fellows

  • Neutron Scattering Society of America

American Physical Society (APS)

  • APS