Rondinelli, Schuh Named Fellows of Materials Research Society

Northwestern Engineering’s James Rondinelli and Christopher Schuh have been selected to the class of 2026 Materials Research Society (MRS) Fellows. 

Rondinelli, Walter Dill Scott Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering, was cited for foundational contributions to the theory and design of quantum and multifunctional materials, and for leadership in promoting interdisciplinary materials research through MRS. Schuh, Dean of the McCormick School of Engineering, was cited for contributions to the science and applications of nanocrystalline materials, micromechanics, and shape memory ceramics and to professional leadership to the materials community.

MRS is an organization of materials researchers worldwide that promotes communication for the advancement of interdisciplinary materials research and technology to improve the quality of life. The title of MRS Fellow recognizes members for their exceptional research achievements and significant contributions to advancing materials science worldwide.

Rondinelli leads the Materials Theory and Design group, which investigates picoscale structure-driven properties in electronic, magnetic, and optical materials. His research integrates electronic structure theory and machine learning with materials design, focusing on transition-metal compounds, alloys, and molecules to advance structural, microelectronic, and quantum information science technologies.

“I’m truly honored to join this distinguished group of materials researchers,” Rondinelli said. “This recognition reflects the dedication and creativity of the students, postdocs, and collaborators I’ve had the privilege to work with. I’m grateful for their contributions and excited to continue advancing materials science together to ignite innovations that make a lasting, positive impact on society.”

Schuh's research focuses on structural materials such as metals and ceramics, with an emphasis on controlling microstructural disorder to optimize mechanical properties. His group uses experiments, analytical theory, and computer simulations to study processing-structure-property relationships, and he has published more than 250 articles in top journals including Physical Review Letters, Science, and Acta Materialia, where he is a coordinating editor.  

“I’m honored to be recognized by MRS, and I share this distinction with the talented students, collaborators, and colleagues who make our work in structural materials possible,” Schuh said. “I am especially pleased to share this recognition with James, whose pioneering contributions to materials theory and design continue to elevate our field and our community.”

Each year, no more than 0.2 percent of the Society’s regular membership may be selected, and only those with sustained involvement in MRS are eligible, making this one of the organization’s most prestigious honors.

Rondinelli, Schuh, and the 2026 class of MRS Fellows will be formally recognized at the 2026 MRS Spring Meeting, taking place April 26–May 1 in Honolulu.