Enrique Barrera

Enrique Barrera is the Harry S. Cameron Chair Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University. He earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with honors in 1979, M.S. in 1984, and Ph.D. in 1987, all from The University of Texas at Austin. His research specializes in interface studies and processing of composites, coatings, and thin films; development of new materials systems leveraging the unique properties of fullerenes and nanotubes; nanotechnology advancements; and formation of hybrid nanotube materials for fully integrated nanotube composites. In the Carbon Hub at Rice University, his focus includes conversion and processing of carbon materials, as well as their structural and electrical applications. Barrera has also been appointed Professor of Chemistry at Rice.

Barrera's career encompasses significant academic and industry leadership. He serves as co-founder, former CTO, and current board member of NanoRidge Materials, Inc., former CTO of C-Bond Systems, LLC, and consultant to industries in aerospace, medical implants, umbilical tubing for oil and gas, and materials for rock tools. Additional appointments include Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico, and former residential Faculty Associate and Magister of Jones College at Rice University. He has earned major awards such as the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (2002), NSF National Young Investigator Award (1993), NASA Group Achievement Award (2001), NASA National Research Council Senior Fellow at Johnson Space Center (1999), ASM International Fellow (2004), Albert Eston White Distinguished Teacher Award (2018), Great Minds in STEM Educator of the Year (2003), and Hispanic Business Magazine’s 100 Most Influentials (2006). Recognized for research, education, and minority mentoring, Barrera leads the Rice University NSF Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) cluster and delivers the Materials Magic Show to K-12 schools. With over 100 publications, thousands of citations, and numerous patents, his work has profoundly influenced materials science, nanoengineering, and composite technologies.

Professional Email: ebarrera@rice.edu