Dr. Schilling received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University in 1992 and served as a research professor at the J. Bennett Johnston Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices at L.S.U. before joining the faculty at the University of New Orleans in 1999. He directs an applied research program in the development and characterization of materials. Dr. Schilling has worked extensively in novel metallurgical techniques including mechanical alloying for the development of nanocrystalline alloys; and metal surface modification by electro-plasma processing and electro-spark alloying for improved corrosion and wear resistance. Recent studies have included the application of mechanical alloying in the production of nanostructured half-Heusler alloys for thermoelectric power generation, and the characterization of processing effects on the stir zone in friction stir welded aluminum alloys. Current funded research includes the investigation of multiscale forming operations as part of the Consortium for Innovation in Materials and Manufacturing. In addition, Dr. Schilling is the co-author of the computer-aided design text, Parametric Modeling with SolidWorks.