Michael Kirka
About Michael Kirka
Michael Kirka serves as the Group Leader of the Deposition Science & Technology Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and is a faculty member at the Bredesen Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has an extensive background in materials science and engineering, with a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Current Work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Michael Kirka serves as the Group Leader for the Deposition Science & Technology Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He has held this position since 2020, contributing to advancements in deposition science and technology. In addition to his leadership role, he is also a Senior Research Staff member at the laboratory, where he has been active since the same year. His work focuses on innovative research and development within the field.
Current Work at University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Since 2019, Michael Kirka has been a faculty member at the Bredesen Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In this role, he engages in academic and research activities, contributing to the center's mission of fostering interdisciplinary research and education in science and technology.
Educational Background
Michael Kirka earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Mechanics of Materials from Georgia Institute of Technology, completing his studies from 2010 to 2014. He also holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution, which he obtained from 2008 to 2010. Earlier, he received a Bachelor of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan, studying from 2004 to 2007.
Previous Positions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Prior to his current roles, Michael Kirka held several positions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He was a Postdoctoral Fellow from 2014 to 2015 and served as Associate Research Staff and Research Staff: Materials Scientist from 2015 to 2020. He also acted as the Interim Group Leader for the Deposition Science and Technology Group from 2018 to 2020, overseeing various research initiatives.
Leadership Experience at Georgia Tech
During his time at Georgia Institute of Technology, Michael Kirka was actively involved in student governance as the Graduate Student Body President from 2012 to 2013. This role allowed him to represent the interests of graduate students and engage in leadership activities within the university community.