Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2014
  • B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2003
Academic Appointments
  • Postdoctoral Scholar, Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 2015-2017

Dr. Tracy has over ten years of experience addressing challenging problems in the field of materials science, with particular focus in the areas of materials reliability, mechanics of delamination and cracking, and failure analysis. His background includes analyses of polymers, ceramics, metals and composites in applications spanning consumer electronics, photovoltaics, laminated structures, architectural coatings, adhesives, and aerospace composites.

Dr. Tracy has conducted extensive work in the area of accelerated testing, with particular interest in correlating results of laboratory testing with outdoor performance for risk assessment and material lifetime prediction. He has extensive experience in materials testing and characterization, including the evaluation of mechanical and rheological properties, fracture parameters, interface adhesion, material chemistry and structure, weathering, and chemical resistance.

Prior to rejoining Exponent, Dr. Tracy worked at DuPont as a Principal Investigator, where he managed and supported projects in materials reliability, product commercialization, and application development. He conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University that focused on charactering toughness and durability of interfaces in applications spanning photovoltaic packaging materials, thin film structures, and adhesive bonded joints. Dr. Tracy completed his graduate work at the University of Michigan, where he used digital image correlation — then an evolving, non-contact deformation metrology — to evaluate damage progression in ceramic matrix composites. His work elucidated the evolution of damage in fibrous composites from crack initiation at microscopic length scales to final fracture of composite laminates.