Bridging Growth, Characterization, and Community
July 2026 marks an exciting milestone for Dr. Maria Hilse, who was recently promoted to associate research professor at Penn State. Her work spans fundamental materials research, user facility operations, mentorship, and scientific service.
Hilse contributes to two major Penn State research facilities. As part of the NSF-funded Two-Dimensional Crystal Consortium (2DCC), she supports collaborative projects and external users in the growth and characterization of quantum materials while advancing MochaMBE (Metal-Organic Chalcogenide Hybrid MBE), a new approach for the synthesis of transition-metal dichalcogenides such as WSe2. At Penn State's Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL), she helps develop and support advanced X-ray diffraction (XRD) capabilities used by students, faculty, and industry partners.
Beyond the laboratory, Hilse is committed to mentorship and scientific community engagement, serving as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Crystal Growth and as an ad hoc reviewer for numerous journals.
Whether pioneering new growth approaches, supporting users across two major facilities, mentoring future scientists, or contributing to the scientific literature, Hilse's work is driven by curiosity, technical expertise, and collaboration.
Below: DOI: 10.60551/gqq8-yj90
Below: False color low-resolution wafer map (MRD XL) of Al2O3 where defects cause bright contrast.
