Horacio D. Espinosa

About Horacio D. Espinosa

Horacio D. Espinosa is a globally recognized scientist, engineer, educator, and entrepreneur known for his pioneering contributions to nanomechanics, bioinspired materials, and biomedical microtechnologies. He is the James and Nancy Farley Professor at Northwestern University, with faculty appointments in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. He also directs the Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (TAM) program and co-founded the Institute for Cellular Engineering Technologies (iCET).Professor Espinosa’s work bridges scales and disciplines, integrating mechanics, materials science, and biology. He has led the development of MEMS-based platforms for in-situ electron microscopy, enabling atomic-resolution mechanical testing of nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, nanowires, and 2D materials, contributing some of the first experimental validations of quantum mechanical predictions. His work on microfluidic systems for single-cell gene editing and non-destructive intracellular sampling has helped advance the fields of cell engineering and precision medicine.He has authored over 350 scientific papers and mentored more than 80 graduate students and postdocs, with many holding faculty positions worldwide, while others are pursuing distinguished careers in industry, national laboratories, and as entrepreneurs. His honors include election to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Inventors, and receipt of the Drucker Medal (ASME), Prager Medal (SES), and multiple honors from the Society for Experimental Mechanics.Espinosa is also the founder of Infinitesimal LLC, a company translating microscale tools for single-cell access and analysis into commercial applications. Throughout his career, he has promoted inclusive research environments, interdisciplinary innovation, and the use of engineering to solve pressing global challenges.

Experience

1. Founder and President

   Infinitesimal

   Aug 2011 — Present · Skokie, IL, US

   Infinitesimal LLC is a nanotechnology company that develops systems for efficient and precise delivery of molecules into cells. Our mission is to develop emergent technologies into commercial products that can provide unique research capabilities and enable novel applications that are not possible with conventional biotools.The company was founded to commercialize bio-tools for cell access and analysis. Infinitesimal holds an exclusive global license from Northwestern University for IP and technology developed in Professor Espinosa\'s lab.

Education

• Brown University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Solid Mechanics

  1987 — 1992