Bio
Geeta Kumari is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Advanced Fuel Fabrication and Instrumentation Group in the Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate (FFESD), ORNL, where she focuses on the microstructural evolution, mechanical performance, and failure mechanisms of structural materials for advanced nuclear applications. She holds dual Ph.D. degrees—one in Materials Science from Michigan State University and another in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. Her Ph.D. research focused on developing the microstructure-property correlation in nickel based superalloy. She also holds Master's and Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from IIT Madras and National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jamshedpur, India, respectively.
Her research expertise spans physical and mechanical metallurgy of high-temperature materials such as superalloy stainless steel, deformation mechanisms, phase transformations, Additive manufacturing (Laser-powder bed fusion, binder jet printing), and failure analysis, with a strong emphasis on electron microscopy (SEM-EDS, EBSD, S/TEM), and irradiation effects in structural alloys. She is actively contributing to the rapid qualification of materials for nuclear applications, supporting the broader mission of achieving a zero-carbon future through advanced reactor development.
Beyond research, Dr. Kumari is passionate about science communication, industry collaboration, and mentoring young researchers. Her work bridges fundamental materials science with real-world applications, driving innovations in energy efficiency, structural reliability, and sustainability.
Awards
Awarded as outstanding graduate student in materials science, College of Engineering, MSU, 2023.
Professional Service
New Hire Chair, ORPEX 2025
Collaboration Lead, Women in 3-D printing for East Tennessee Chapter