Erica L. Corral
Erica L. Corral is a professor and distinguished scholar of materials science and engineering at the University of Arizona. She focuses on advancing the fundamental understanding of high-temperature materials for use in hypersonic applications. Corral's postdoctoral training was conducted at Sandia National Laboratories, in the Ceramic Processing and Inorganic Materials Department, in Albuquerque, NM. Her doctor of philosophy degree in materials science and her bachelor of science degree in metallurgical and materials engineering, were obtained from William Marsh Rice University, and the University of Texas at El Paso, respectively. She also holds the title and honor of distinguished scholar as an outstanding mid-career faculty who is a leading expert in her field and a highly-valued contributor to teaching, research, and outreach priorities set out by the University of Arizona.
Corral has over 20 years of experience in the subject matter of manufacturing ultra-high temperature ceramics and their behavior under high enthalpy flow environments relevant to hypersonics. She also serves on the leadership team to The University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics (UCAH) and contributes her technical expertise on the UCAH Interim Governance Board, as co-director, and on the Consortium Engagement Board focusing on industry engagement and technology transition.
Degrees
- PhD Materials Science, William Marsh Rice University, 2005
- BS: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, 2000
Work Experience
- 2021—present: Co-Director, Arizona Research Center for Hypersonics, College of Engineering, University of Arizona
- 2020—present: Co-Director, University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics, University of Arizona
- 2013—present: Associate Professor and Distinguished Scholar with tenure, Materials Science and Engineering Department, University of Arizona
- 2011—present: Director, High Temperature Testing Laboratory and User Service Facility, Arizona Materials Laboratory, Materials Science and Engineering Department, University of Arizona
- 2008—2013: Assistant Professor, Materials Science and Engineering Department, University of Arizona
- 2005—2008: Postdoctoral Research Appointee, Ceramic Processing and Inorganic Materials Department, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Interests
Research Interests
Advanced processing and manufacturing of ultra-high temperature ceramic composites and their behavior under high enthalpy flow environments relevant to hypersonics.
Teaching Interests
Mechanical properties of materials at elevated temperatures, ceramic processing science and structure property relationship of materials.
Scholarship
2 book chapters, 27 publications, 27 conference proceedings, 3 fully licensed patents, 7 patent applications