Clemson’s Rodrigo Martinez-Duarte Awarded Prestigious Fulbright Grant
Rodrigo Martinez-Duarte, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Clemson University, has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar grant. This opportunity will enable him to spend four months at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, beginning in March 2026. His visit aims to foster strategic international partnerships that could significantly benefit South Carolina’s economic landscape.
Martinez-Duarte’s research focuses on converting renewable materials, such as cellulose and bacterial fibers, into carbon structures intended for use in batteries and other carbon-based technologies. He believes the collaboration with Chalmers, known for its technological innovations, will enhance the impact of his work.
“International research collaboration is essential,” Martinez-Duarte stated. “We can’t solve today’s global problems with just one lab’s tools or expertise. We need to build bridges between disciplines, between countries and between people.” He envisions strengthening ties with prominent Swedish companies, including Volvo, SKF, and Enviro, all of which have operations in South Carolina.
Building Bridges Through Collaboration
This Fulbright award marks a notable milestone for Martinez-Duarte, as he is the first faculty member from Clemson’s Department of Mechanical Engineering to receive this honor. Alexander Leonessa, chair of the department, praised the significance of the award, stating, “His work at Chalmers not only advances materials research but also helps build meaningful international partnerships that benefit our students, faculty and industry collaborators.”
Martinez-Duarte previously visited Chalmers in the fall of 2024 under a different initiative. During that trip, he initiated collaborations with researchers such as Samuel Lara-Avila, Christian Müller, and Maria Asplund. These partnerships will extend into his Fulbright tenure, with plans for Lara-Avila to visit Clemson in the upcoming fall.
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar award is administered by the U.S. Department of State and is recognized as one of the nation’s most esteemed grants for international research and academic exchanges.
A Commitment to Innovation
Laine Mears, director of the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering at Clemson University, expressed his enthusiasm for Martinez-Duarte’s achievement. “His Fulbright award reflects the school’s commitment to innovative research, international collaboration, and developing solutions that directly support industry and real-world applications,” Mears said.
Martinez-Duarte’s visit to Sweden is not only a personal achievement but also an important step in enhancing the global engagement of Clemson University. Through his work, he aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding renewable materials and their applications in technology, ensuring both academic advancement and industry relevance.
