Eric K. Lin, Ph.D.

Research Interests

Dr. Lin's research interests are focused on the physics of polymer thin films, polymers at interfaces, and complex fluids. Research topics include fundamental problems that impact the development of technologies such as nanoporous low-k dielectric thin films, next-generation photoresists for nanofabrication, and organic electronics. His expertise lies in the application of x-ray and neutron scattering measurement methods, statistical mechanics, and polymer physics.

Brief Biography

Eric Lin is Chief of the Polymers Division in the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He received a B.S.E. from Princeton University in 1991 (summa cum laude) and Masters and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford in 1992 and 1996, respectively, all in chemical engineering. 

Eric joined the NIST Polymers Division as an NRC-NIST postdoctoral associate in 1996, and joined the permanent staff in 1998. In 2002, he became the Leader of the Electronics Group, where he established world class research programs in semiconductor electronics processing, nanoscale materials, and organic electronics. His honors include the NIST Bronze and Silver Medals, the NIST Slichter Awards twice, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), and a participant in the National Academy of Science Kavli Frontiers of Science program. He is active in activities of professional organizations including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Physical Society, and the Materials Research Society.

Awards and Honors

• Fellow, American Physical Society (2010)
• NIST William P. Slichter Award (2007)
• Department of Commerce Silver Medal (2006)
• National Academy of Sciences Frontiers of Science (2006)
• National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering (2002)
• Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2002)
• NIST Slichter Award (2001, 2007)
• NIST Bronze Medal (2001)
• NRC-NIST Postdoctoral Fellowship (1996-1998)
• NSF Graduate Fellowship (1992-1996)
• David S. Wu Graduate Fellowship (1991)
• Xerox Prize - Senior Thesis (1991)
• National Merit Scholar (1987-1991)