Principal Scientist | Kratos SRE | United States
Dr. Mark C.L. Patterson, Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Cambridge (1986), with a prior MSc. in Materials Science from Queen’s University, Canada (1983), and BSc (Hons) in Mining Engineering/Mineral Processing from Camborne School of Mines, England (1980), is a distinguished industrial research leader and Principal Scientist with Kratos SRE, specializing in advanced materials, hypersonics, propulsion, robotics, additive manufacturing, ceramics, nuclear energy, and environmental technologies. With over 40 years of experience spanning materials processing, technology development, and industrial application, he has managed more than $100M in R&D projects and successfully led programs with DARPA, NASA, NOAA, BAE Systems, and the US Department of Defense, demonstrating excellence in international collaborations, technology transfer, and commercialization of advanced solutions. His research interests include advanced ceramic matrix composites, optical and armor-grade spinel, functionally graded composites, autonomous systems, unmanned surface and aerial vehicles, hybrid manufacturing, and nuclear propulsion systems, integrating multidisciplinary approaches to address complex industrial and environmental challenges. Dr. Patterson’s research skills encompass materials synthesis, high-temperature processing, microwave and CVI techniques, nano- and microstructural characterization, additive manufacturing, robotic automation, and advanced propulsion system design. He has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications, delivered numerous presentations at national and international conferences, and holds four patents, contributing significantly to knowledge advancement in materials and defense technologies. His awards and honors include recognition for pioneering transparent spinel production, the Army SBIR Quality Award, and leadership roles in MIL-17 Ceramic Composite Handbook development, alongside executive positions in Advanced Ceramics Research and Hydronalix. Dr. Patterson’s work is recognized in the research community with 229 Scopus citations across 26 indexed documents and an h-index of 8, reflecting the impact and relevance of his contributions to industrial research and engineering. In conclusion, Dr. Patterson’s extensive experience, pioneering research, interdisciplinary expertise, and proven leadership in industrial, defense, and environmental technologies establish him as a preeminent figure in materials science and applied engineering, demonstrating exceptional potential to drive future innovations and mentor the next generation of scientific and industrial leaders globally.
Profiles: Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publications
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Gilde, G., Patel, P., & Patterson, M.C.L. (1999). A comparison of hot-pressing, rate-controlled sintering, and microwave sintering of magnesium aluminate spinel for optical applications. Proceedings of SPIE – The International Society for Optical Engineering, 3705, 1–9.
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Patterson, M.C.L. (1999). Final report: Advanced HfC-TaC composite rocket thrusters. NASA SBIR Phase I, Contract # NAS3-27272.
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Patterson, M.C.L., Caiazza, J.E., Roy, D., & Gilde, G. (2000). Transparent spinel revisited. Proceedings of the American Ceramic Society Conference, Cocoa Beach, 1–10.
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Roy, D., Patterson, M.C.L., Caiazza, J.E., & Gilde, G. (2000). Progress in the development of large transparent spinel plates. Proceedings of the 8th DoD Electromagnetic Windows Symposium, ASAFA, Colorado Springs, CO, 1–9.
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Patterson, M.C.L., Caiazza, J.E., Roy, D., & Gilde, G. (2000). Transparent spinel development. Proceedings of SPIE 45th International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, San Diego, CA, 1–10.