Bio

​B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts - LowellM.S. Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 1995​Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, 1998
 

James M. Fitz-Gerald received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Florida in 1998 followed by post-doctoral studies at the Naval Research Laboratory. 

 

Awards

  • Fellow of the AVS, "For outstanding contributions in the study of laser-solid interactions and thin film materials growth and characterization" 2017
  • Recipient of a Mead Endowment Award, Experiential Learning at the University of Virginia, Lacy Hall: Student - Led Programs”, given in recognition of undergraduate mentoring beyond the classroom in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences 2016
  • Recipient of the Henry Kinnier Award given in recognition of undergraduate mentoring beyond the classroom in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, from the Mead Endowment 2013
  • Recipient of the Hartfield-Jefferson Scholars Teaching Prize in recognition of excellence in undergraduate teaching in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, from the Jefferson Scholars Foundation 2013
  • Recipient of the Undergraduate Teaching Award in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science 2001

Research Interests

  • Optoelectronic Devices
  • Corrosion and Electrochemical Sciences and Engineering
  • Surface and Interface Science and Engineering
  • Metallurgy
  • Materials Characterization
  • Mechatronics
  • Laser-materials interactions

Selected Publications

  • Investigation of Critical Processing Parameters on Laser Surface Processing of AZ31B-H24 M.A. Melia, D.C. Florian, F.W. Steuer, B.F. Briglia, M.K. Purzycki, J.R. Scully, and J.M. Fitz-Gerald, Surface and Coatings Tech. 325, 157-165, (2017)
  • Laser Irradiation of Mg-Al-Zn Alloy: Reduced Electrochemical Kinetics and Enhanced Performance in Simulated Body Fluid D. C. Florian, M. A. Melia, F. W. Steuer, B. Briglia, M. Purzycki, J. R. Scully, and J. M. Fitz-Gerald, Biointerphases, 12 (2), 021003-1-9, (2017)
  • Ir-doped anatase TiO2 transparent conducting oxide for use in optoelectronics A. Slonopas, M. Melia, T. Globus, J. M. Fitz-Gerald, and Pamela Norris, J. Materials Science, 51, 8995-9004, (2016)
  • Excimer Laser Surface Modification of AZ31B-H24 for Improved Corrosion Resistance M. Melia, P. Steiner, N. Birbilis, J.R. Scully, and J.M. Fitz-Gerald, Corrosion, 72, 1, 95-109, (2016)
  • Evaluation of the Potential Range for Sacrificial Mg Anodes for the Cathodic Protection of Mg Alloy AZ31B-H24 T.W. Cain, M.A. Melia, J.M. Fitz-Gerald, and J.R. Scully, Corrosion, 73 (5), 544-562, (2017)
  • Effects of Laser Ablation Coating Removal (LACR) on a Steel Substrate: Part 1: Surface Profile, Microstructure, Hardness, and Adhesion M. Shamsujjoha, J.R. Brooks, T.J. Tyler, Jr., S.R. Agnew, and J.M. Fitz-Gerald, J. of Surface and Coatings Technology, 281, 193-205, (2015)
  • Dynamics of the inverse MAPLE nanoparticle deposition process M.A. Steiner and J.M. Fitz-Gerald, Applied Physics A, 119 (2), 629-638 (2015)
  • Strain induced microstructural and ordering behaviors of epitaxial Fe38.5Pd61.5 films grown by pulsed laser deposition M. Steiner, R. Comes, J. A. Floro, W. A. Soffa, and J. M. Fitz-Gerald, JVST A, 31 (5), 050824-1–050824-13 (2013)

Courses Taught

  • Introduction to Engineering 8/23/17-12/7/17
  • Manufacturing and Processing of Materials 1/23/18-5/15/17

Featured Grants & Projects

  • Active corrosion protection of magnesium alloys via functional anodic coatings

    Sponsor: U.S. DOD – Army, ARL, Period: 12/13 to 12/17 PI: J.R. Scully, J.M. Fitz-Gerald, N. Birbilis

  • Implementation of coating Removal Technique for Steel Components on VDOT Bridges

    Sponsor: Virginia Transportation Research Council, 7/16 to 6/18 P.I.: J.M. Fitz-Gerald, S.R. Agnew

  • Welding of ASTM A1010 Steel

    Sponsor: Virginia Transportation Research Council, 8/16 to 7/18 P.I.: J.M. Fitz-Gerald, S.R. Agnew

  • Quantitative Investigation of the Mechanical Performance and Residual Stress of Additively Manufactured Precipitation Strengthened Stainless Steels

    Sponsor: U.S. DOD - Navy - Naval Surface Warfare Ctr. (NSWC), 4/2016 – 04/2019 P.I.: S.R. Agnew, J.M. Fitz-Gerald

  • Real-Time Monitoring of Laser Surface Preparation Process for Improved Bonding

    Sponsor: NASA, 1/1/17-1/1/19 P.I. Fitz-Gerald

  • Effect of Defects in Selective Laser Melted Inconel 718

    Sponsor: NASA, 7/17-7/19 P.I.: Fitz-Gerald

  • Aluminum Alloy Design and Synthesis for Additive Manufacturing

    Sponsor: NASA, 7/17-7/19 P.I.: Fitz-Gerald