Ran Tao (Assoc)

Dr. Ran Tao is a Materials Scientist in the Materials Measurement Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD. She specializes in applying advanced rheological techniques and thermal analysis tools to address various materials science challenges. Her research focuses on investigating the structure-property relationships of polymeric materials, composites, and complex fluids for mission-driven applications, including semiconductors, additive manufacturing, and safety and security. Her interdisciplinary materials research experience encompasses polymers, ceramics, and metals, driving innovation across a wide range of advanced technologies and applications. Dr. Tao is passionate about exploring novel measurement capabilities and simulation tools to solve problems in both fundamental and applied research.

Dr. Tao is currently working on a CHIPS-funded project, addressing critical metrology challenges in the U.S. semiconductor industry, particularly around the accurate measurement of materials properties used in advanced packaging. Leveraging her expertise in thermal analysis and polymer rheology, her research focuses on developing methodologies and metrologies for the characterization of polymer-based encapsulation materials (e.g., epoxy molding compounds and underfills), including cure kinetics, chemorheology, viscoelasticity, thermal and cure shrinkage, and the development of research grade test materials (RGTM). The research goal is to enhance predictive modeling and inform engineering design practices in the industry, thereby accelerating R&D and improving the manufacturing efficiency. In this effort, she collaborates closely with Prof. Bongtae Han at the University of Maryland on cure shrinkage, bulk modulus measurements and viscoelastic property modeling. 

Dr. Tao is co-leading a collaborative project on additive manufacturing (AM) of multifunctional materials, where her expertise supports innovation and fundamental research in the AM of multifunctional 3D hierarchical metallic and composite materials. She collaborates with Prof. Weinan Xu at the University of Akron on this effort.

Previously at NIST, Ran worked on the Metrologies for Non-linear Materials in Impact Mitigation project. She worked closely with collaborators at the University of Chicago to develop mechanically robust and thermally reversible materials with dynamic covalent bonds. She developed critical calibration methods for orthogonal superposition rheology, an advanced technique for measuring microstructures and dynamics in complex fluids and soft matter. Additionally, Dr. Tao conducted research on ballistic witness materials (BWMs) as part of NIST's Personal Body Armor Project. In that effort, she developed a lab-scale rheological protocol to measure the effects of strain and strain rate on the backing materials used in body armor testing. She also completed a study on the thermophysical characterization of these materials. Her work on characterizing the standard BWMs and Army Research Laboratory-developed candidate BWMs provided valuable insights for the future development of documentary standards related to body armor testing.

Dr. Tao currently serves as an Executive Board member of the North American Thermal Analysis Society (NATAS) as the Education Councilor.  Dr. Tao is a Technical Committee member on Emerging Technologies for the IEEE Electronics Packaging Society (EPS) and a Program Committee member for the IEEE Electronic Components and Technology Conference (ECTC).

Outstanding Service Award, North American Thermal Analysis Society, 2024. 
PMSE Young Investigator Award, American Chemical Society, 2022.
MML Accolade, NIST, 2020.
NATAS Student Award, North American Thermal Analysis Society, 2013.
Chancellor's Graduate Fellowship, Texas Tech University, 2010-2014.
Distinguished Undergraduate Award, Sichuan University, 2009.