Dr. Taleff specializes in the mechanical behavior and the thermo-mechanical processing of structural materials, with emphasis on processing-microstructure-property relationships. His current research interests include the ductility of Al-Mg alloys at elevated temperatures, including superplasticity and superplastic alloys, and processing-microstructure-property relationships in hypereutectoid steels, particularly for high-strength wire applications.
The Taleff Research Group works in these and other areas related to structural materials. Dr. Taleff was a member of the faculty of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics from 1995 until 1998, and since 1998 has been a member of the faculty of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He is an active member in the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, ASM International, and American Society of Professional Engineers professional societies. He has received several awards and honors, including: 1998 Faculty Excellence Award for the AEEM Department; 1998 Young Leader Internship of the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society; and 1997 National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award; 2001 Texas Excellence Teaching Award for the Cockrell School of Engineering from the Ex-Students’ Association and the Cabinet of College Councils; and the 2001 Cockrell School of Engineering Award for Outstanding Engineering Teaching by an Assistant Professor, sponsored by Lockheed-Martin. He became the Faculty Advisor for Pi Tau Sigma, the National Honorary Mechanical Engineering Society in 2003. In 2005 he received the Charlotte Maer Patton Centennial Fellowship in Engineering. Dr. Taleff is also a member of the University of Texas Texas Materials Institute.