Dielectric & ferroelectric ceramics
Structure–property relationships in high-permittivity and relaxor systems for capacitors, energy storage, and emerging electronic applications.
Materials scientist · Educator · Editor
David P.
Cann
Exploring how the chemistry and structure of materials shape their electrical properties—and how rigorous scientific communication moves the field forward.
Professor
Oregon State University
Editor-in-Chief Journal of Materials Science
Editor-in-Chief Journal of Materials Science
About
I work at the intersection of fundamental materials science, engineering application, and the systems through which science is evaluated and shared.
I am a professor at Oregon State University, where my research focuses on the electronic properties of ceramics. My work connects defect chemistry, crystal chemistry, processing, and phase transformations to functional behavior in dielectric and piezoelectric materials.
Across more than 25 years in academia, I have led research supported by federal agencies and industry, taught materials science and engineering, mentored graduate researchers, and contributed more than 140 peer-reviewed publications.
As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Materials Science, I lead an international editorial team committed to careful, fair, and constructive peer review. I am especially interested in research integrity and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in scientific practice.
Research
Materials that respond.
My group studies relationships among composition, structure, processing, and functional response, with an emphasis on ceramic electronic materials.
Piezoelectric materials
Functional ceramics for sensing, actuation, and transduction, including performance under demanding environmental conditions.
Defects, chemistry & processing
How non-stoichiometry, defect populations, synthesis, and phase transformations govern electrical behavior.
AI in scientific practice
Responsible uses of AI in physical-science research, technical writing, peer review, and the evaluation of scientific claims.
Editorial leadership
Strengthening the systems that support trustworthy science.
As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Materials Science, I work with more than 30 editors around the world to support rigorous peer review across the breadth of the discipline. Current priorities include research integrity, clear editorial standards, and thoughtful adaptation to AI-enabled research and publishing.
Visit the Journal of Materials ScienceExperience
A career across research, teaching, and scientific leadership.
Oregon State UniversityProfessor; affiliated with the Materials Science Graduate Program
Journal of Materials ScienceEditor-in-Chief
Iowa State UniversityAssistant and Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Materials educationB.S., Virginia Tech · M.S. and Ph.D., Penn State
Contact
Let’s connect.
For research, academic, editorial, or speaking inquiries, email me or visit my university profile.