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Dr. Jeremy Robinson Receives Presidential Early Career Award

The work is a creative outlet, and that is the
driver for me going to the lab.
older brother, Dr. Josh Robinson, also did his postdoc here: In fact, my brother sat at

this desk, Robinson says with a laugh. We are always in friendly competition. So this
[Presidential award] is the latest feather in my cap.

In his research to explore the many possibilities of graphene-based materials, Rob-

inson connects material synthesis, material properties, and applications: Designing

graphene with specific defects is an ideal way to engineer its properties and poten-

tially improve its sensor response. He may introduce an atom of a different chemical
species, like oxygen or fluorine, then test sensor capability, mechanical strength, or

optical properties. And he studies the properties that emerge when layers of graphene
are stacked. We continue to be surprised about the range of interesting experiments
and results, he says. Robinson has published more than 60 peer-reviewed journal
articles and holds one patent.

Dr. Jeremy Robinson of the U.S.

Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is
a recipient of the 2012 Presidential
Early Career Award for Scientists
and Engineers (PECASE).

The White House announced the 102 PECASE recipients on December 23, 2013. We
are grateful for their commitment to generating the scientific and technical advancements that will ensure Americas global leadership for many years to come, said
President Obama.

Dr. Robinson, a materials research engi-

neer at NRL, was recognized for his out-

standing research accomplishments in the

development of graphene-based materi-

als; dedication to community service; and

mentoring work with students.

Robinson studies graphene and other

carbon nanomaterials. He studies their

electronic and mechanical properties and

explores how the materials can be used in

chemical sensors, in quantum information
processing, and for nanoelectronic and

radio frequency communication applications.

Robinson joined NRL as a National

Research Council postdoctoral associ-

ate in 2007 after completing his Ph.D. at

the University of California Berkeley; he

One of Dr. Robinsons areas of research is bilayer graphene.

This stained-glass appearance arises from the emergence
of a narrow absorption band due to direct electronic coupling
between the layers.

transitioned to full-time staff in 2008. His

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