My research program is focused on solving problems that involve the mechanical behavior of materials and factors (either environmental or manufacturing) that influence their performance and durability. Our current studies are focused on understanding the properties of engineering and natural materials. Much of the effort is aimed at evaluating the fatigue and fracture behavior of these materials, as well as finding ways to examine and quantify changes in their behavior with aging. Our methods extend from the nano- to the macro-scale. Recent efforts in the group have greater focus on additive manufacturing, including their applications, process to performance relationships and key obstacles to industrial adoption.

In addition to our efforts on existing materials, we are developing new materials inspired by biological structural materials. We have current studies underway aimed at the development of material systems with inspired microstructures to achieve unprecedented properties and performance.