Dr Asa H. Barber was recently invited to contribute to the book ‘Applied Scanning Probe Methods’, which has now been published by Springer. The series has constantly published state-of-the-art research using scanning probe microscopy and this recent addition to the series, focussing on characterization methods, has attracted contributions from leaders in the field. Dr Barber’s addition details his established portfolio of research in the demanding area of mechanical properties of nanomaterials, their associated surfaces and interfaces with other materials. While focussing on carbon nanotubes research, the techniques pioneered by Dr Barber can be used for a host of different material structures which demonstrates the world-class research currently being carried out by Dr Barber, a recent appointee within the department, and the larger nanomechanical initiative within the College.