The Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing is an NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC). The mission of The Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing (CHM) at the University of Massachusetts is to be a leading research and education center for the development of efficient, cost effective process platforms and versatile tools for the two and three dimensional integration of components and systems across multiple length scales. The approach integrates nanofabrication processes for sub-30 nm elements based on directed self-assembly, additive-driven assembly, nanoimprint lithography, high fidelity 3-D polymer template replication, and conformal deposition at the nanoscale with Si wafer technologies or high-rate roll-to-roll (R2R) based production tools to yield materials and devices with unprecedented performance for computing, energy conversion and human health. The CHM effort is made comprehensive by research on device design, modeling and prototype testing in functional architectures that takes advantage of the specific hierarchical nanomanufacturing capabilities developed by the Center.
Professor Jim Watkins has been elected a 2012 APS Fellow (American Physical Society) by the Division of Polymer Physics for his pioneering efforts in manipulating polymers to develop technologically functional nanoscopic materials. Jim will be recognized at the upcoming APS March Meeting.
UMass Amherst polymer scientists Kenneth Carter and James Watkins, collaborating with team leader Francesco Fornasiero of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), recently received a five-year $1.8 million grant to design ways to manufacture the new material as part of a $13 million project funded by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency. It’s estimated that the new uniforms could be deployed in the field in less than 10 years.
Alfred J. Crosby, an investigator in the CHM from Polymer Science and Engineering, has been promoted to full Professor effective September 1, 2012. Al's research interests include the mechanics of hierarchical structures, polymer adhesion, biomimetic materials design, responsive surfaces and materials, elastic instabilities; deformation and fracture of thin films, polymer patterning; nanocomposites and combinatorial methods.
As a participant in the CHM, he is collaborating with Professor Ken Carter to develop new methods to overcome existing challenges in the use of nanoimprinting patterning on flexible substrates in a roll-to-roll configuration. In addition, Al has collaborated with Professor Todd Emrick to develop a robust, scalable process for manufacturing assemblies that can be integrated into flow-coating to assemble periodic polymer and/or nanoparticle line patterns with controlled dimensions.
Assistant Professor Alejandro Briseño received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House on July 23rd. Briseño was cited for "outstanding research accomplishments in areas of organic semiconductor nanoelectronics and molecular crystals and breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of organic interfacial crystallization." Alex is one of only 96 scientists and engineers this year to receive the PECASE award which is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.
The Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing is an NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC). The mission of The Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing (CHM) at the University of Massachusetts is to be a leading research and education center for the development of efficient, cost effective process platforms and versatile tools for the two and three dimensional integration of components and systems across multiple length scales. The approach integrates nanofabrication processes for sub-30 nm elements based on directed self-assembly, additive-driven assembly, nanoimprint lithography, high fidelity 3-D polymer template replication, and conformal deposition at the nanoscale with Si wafer technologies or high-rate roll-to-roll (R2R) based production tools to yield materials and devices with unprecedented performance for computing, energy conversion and human health. The CHM effort is made comprehensive by research on device design, modeling and prototype testing in functional architectures that takes advantage of the specific hierarchical nanomanufacturing capabilities developed by the Center.
Professor Jim Watkins has been elected a 2012 APS Fellow (American Physical Society) by the Division of Polymer Physics for his pioneering efforts in manipulating polymers to develop technologically functional nanoscopic materials. Jim will be recognized at the upcoming APS March Meeting.
Alfred J. Crosby, an investigator in the CHM from Polymer Science and Engineering, has been promoted to full Professor effective September 1, 2012. Al's research interests include the mechanics of hierarchical structures, polymer adhesion, biomimetic materials design, responsive surfaces and materials, elastic instabilities; deformation and fracture of thin films, polymer patterning; nanocomposites and combinatorial methods. 
Assistant Professor Alejandro Briseño received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House on July 23rd. Briseño was cited for "outstanding research accomplishments in areas of organic semiconductor nanoelectronics and molecular crystals and breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of organic interfacial crystallization." Alex is one of only 96 scientists and engineers this year to receive the PECASE award which is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.
