Biography
Daniela Radu is a Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Florida International University. She leads a substantial research portfolio focused on advanced functional nanomaterials. Her work explores applications across multiple strategic domains, including energy generation, quantum science and engineering, space technologies, and cutting-edge nanotechnology. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications addressing challenges in quiet energy generation technologies, novel thin film semiconductors and quantum photonics. Radu has established extensive collaborations with national laboratories, industry partners, and academic institutions, securing substantial external funding from NASA, DoD, DOE, NSF, and USDA. In her role as a Interim Chair of the Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department at FIU, she seeks to expand industrial partnerships and diversify the research portfolio to support FIU’s strategic initiatives. Radu holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Iowa State University (Ames, IA) and has further completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Scripps Research (La Jolla, CA). Prior her academic appointments she has been a senior scientist at DuPont Central Research and Development where she pioneered research in nanoscale semiconductors. Radu authored over a hundred journal articles and conference proceedings, delivered numerous conference and seminar presentations, and holds five granted patents.
Awards & Honors
- Florida International University Faculty Research Award, 2022
- FIU Top Scholar, Florida International University, 2020
Education
- Ph.D., 2004
- MS, 1996
- BS, 1994