People & Expertise

RTNN Directors

jacob-jonesJacob Jones
RTNN Director & NC State Site Director
Department of Materials Science & Engineering
North Carolina State University
Nan Jokerst
Duke Site Director
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Duke University
Jim Cahoonjames-cahoon
UNC Site Director
Department of Chemistry
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
david-berubeDavid Berube
SEIN Coordinator
Department of Communication
North Carolina State University

Executive Committee

External Advisory Board

  • Bob Therrien (Phononic)
  • Joe Campbell (University of Virginia)
  • Lynn Davis (Research Triangle Institute – RTI)
  • John Hardin (NC Dept of Commerce)
  • Caesar Jackson (NC Central University)
  • Joe Magno (Small Business Consultant)
  • Veena Misra (Director of NSF ERC ASSIST, NC State)
  • John Prater (Army Research Office)
  • Kathy Zarilla (Durham Technical Community College)

RTNN Staff

Phil Barletta, Technical Staff (pbarlet@ncsu.edu)
Phil serves as Director of Operations for NNF. Prior to joining NC State, Dr. Barletta worked for close to a decade at RTI International. During his career, Dr. Barletta has studied bulk thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, long-wavelength IR detection, and solid-state lighting. His diverse research background includes publications regarding thermoelectrics, III-V material growth, and diamond-like carbon. He holds his PhD in Materials Science.
strader-phillipPhillip Strader, RTNN Program Manager (pmstrade@ncsu.edu)
Phillip manages the RTNN and serves in a variety of roles to ensure RTNN’s success. He facilitates all client interactions with RTNN as well as communicates RTNN news, information, and events to relevant stakeholders. In addition, he coordinates the educational arm of RTNN by planning and implementing workshops, conferences, and outreach activities. Phillip served for 6 years as a Project Scientist for RTNN prior to becoming the manager and has a B.S. and M.S. degree in Textiles from NC State.
donley-carrieCarrie Donley, Technical Staff (cdonley@email.unc.edu)
A research associate at CHANL, Carrie trains new users on a variety of tools including XPS, XRD, and AFM, advises users on sample characterization, and helps to organize workshops and outreach events.  Dr. Donley holds her Ph.D. in Chemistry and has worked in both academic and industry settings.
geil-bobBob Geil, Technical Staff (bob.geil@unc.edu)
As director of CHANL, Bob oversees all CHANL activities, trains new users on fabrication related equipment in CHANL, advises users on fabrication strategies to achieve their device goals, and helps to organize workshops and outreach events.  Dr. Geil holds his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
Holly Leddy, Technical Staff (holly.leddy@duke.edu) HollyLeddy
R&D and Outreach Engineer for SMIF, Holly trains new users on AFM, Raman, and SEM equipment in SMIF.  She advises users on biomedical related projects and manages and implements educational and outreach activities.  Dr. Leddy has a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and worked as a researcher studying mechanobiology and arthritis at Duke University Medical Center prior to joining SMIF in 2016.
Emily Snell, Technical Staff (emily.snell@duke.edu)

Outreach & Lab Engineer for SMIF, Emily coordinates outreach efforts for the RTNN through Duke University. Emily was awarded the 2023 Outstanding NNCI Staff Member award in the Education and Outreach category for her ongoing outreach efforts. Emily also manages business operations of SMIF and trains users on SMIF’s portable SEM as well as the FT-IR and UV-Vis
Lydia Parks, Technical Staff (lydia.parks@duke.edu)

R&D and Outreach Engineer for SMIF, Lydia trains new users on TEM and Cryo-TEM equipment, advising SMIF users on sample preparation and characterization techniques. She supports the RTNN outreach mission by helping plan and implement STEM outreach events that engage the local community. Lydia has an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from NC State.
Ttyler-talmagealmage Tyler, Technical Staff (talmage.tyler@duke.edu)
Team Leader of Cleanroom Fabrication for SMIF, Talmage advises users on fabrication strategies to achieve their goals, and provides training and consultation on Electron Beam Lithography and Photolithography.  Dr. Tyler holds a PhD in Materials Science and led research programs at a small company prior to joining Duke University in 2008.
Mark Walters, Technical Staff (mark.walters@duke.edu)
The Director of SMIF, Mark manages the operations, administration and finances of SMIF. He trains new users on the XPS and XRD, and advises users on nano/micro fabrication and imaging and characterization of samples.  Dr. Walters holds a PhD in Materials Science and has over 30 years experience in cleanroom fabrication and materials characterization in both industry and academia.
Amar Kumbhar, Technical Staff (kumbhar@email.unc.edu)
A staff member at CHANL, Amar trains new users on microscopy and related equipment in CHANL, advises users on imaging strategies to achieve their device goals, and helps to organize workshops and outreach events. Dr. Kumbhar holds his PhD in Analytical Chemistry.

Inno Shuro, Technical Staff (innshuro@email.unc.edu)
A staff member at CHANL, Inno will lead outreach efforts for the RTNN (as well as UNC Chemistry). In addition to outreach, he will also support CHANL’s AFM, SEM, and TE

For information on our Peer-to-Peer Networking Program, please contact rtnanonetwork@ncsu.edu directly.

Principal Faculty Experts

Over 100 faculty members from the 3 partner universities support the development of new processes, tools, and instrumentation within the RTNN community. Our faculty affiliates have deep expertise across a broad array of topics in the following 6 emerging areas of nanotechnology research.

  • Interfaces, Metamaterials, Fluidics, and Heterogeneous Integration
  • Nanomaterials for Biology and Environmental Assessment
  • Organic and Inorganic 1-D and 2-D Nanomaterials
  • Textile Nanoscience and Flexible Integrated Systems
  • Nanomaterials Simulation and Modeling
  • Social, Ethical, and Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology

 RTNN Partners

The RTNN has developed strategic partnerships with the following entities in order to develop innovative programming and expand the breadth and reach of our technical capabilities: