Led by Professor Martin Thuo, the R.J. Polge Professor for Excellence in Engineering, our group explores the functional properties of soft matter and surface/interface thermodynamics to design metastable materials for advanced manufacturing and technology applications. By combining creative design with experimental innovation, we develop practical solutions in areas such as low-temperature solders, microelectronics, multi-stimuli sensors, recycling and sustainability, and low-cost healthcare technologies.

Martin Thuo, Principal Investigator

Professor Martin Mwangi Thuo, the R.J. Polge Professor for Excellence in Engineering, is an internationally recognized expert in functional soft matter and surface/interface thermodynamics. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Iowa and completed postdoctoral research at Harvard University. Before joining NC State, he served as a faculty member at Iowa State University and co-founded a startup to commercialize his group’s low-temperature solder technology, now part of Indium Corporation.

Thuo’s research integrates materials design, metastability, and manufacturing innovation to develop practical solutions in areas including microelectronics, multi-stimuli sensors, recycling and sustainability, and low-cost healthcare technologies. A strong advocate for cognitively diverse teams and frugal innovation, Thuo has received multiple honors for both research and teaching, and his work has been featured in leading scientific journals and recognized by industry.

Thuo Faculty Profile

Research Focus: Functional Soft Matter and Metastable Materials

• Our areas of expertise include:
  • Surface and interface thermodynamics in soft and hybrid materials
  • Design and stabilization of metastable materials for manufacturing
  • Low-temperature solder materials and joining technologies
  • Multi-stimuli hierarchical sensors and semi-crystalline systems
  • Complex particle systems and self-assembly
  • Recycling strategies and sustainable materials innovation
• Application areas include:
  • Microelectronics and flexible electronics
  • Environmental and chemical sensing
  • Low-cost healthcare and diagnostic devices
  • Advanced manufacturing and packaging technologies
  • Sustainable and frugal engineering solutions

Thuo Elected to the African Academy of Sciences

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Join the Thuo Team

We are looking for talented and motivated graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to join the group.

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