Overview
The Brinson lab’s research objective is to characterize and model advanced materials systems, bridging across scales, to develop new understanding of material mechanisms and transfer knowledge into FAIR datasets towards novel material design. The research activities include nanoscale experimental investigations, especially using AFM methodologies, computational predictions of material behavior using finite element analysis and micro mechanics approaches, and application of AI methods including surrogate modeling, optimization, and natural language processing. Target material systems include multiphase polymer systems, nancomposites, bioplastics, metamaterials and 3d printing materials.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Sharon C. and Harold L. Yoh, III Distinguished Professor
·
2018 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
·
2018 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Recent Publications
Process–structure–property relation for elastoplastic behavior of polymer nanocomposites with agglomerates and interfacial gradients
Journal Article Composites Science and Technology · February 8, 2026 Polymer nanocomposites, inherently tailorable materials, are potentially capable of providing higher strength to weight ratio than conventional hard metals. However, their disordered nature makes processing control and hence tailoring properties to desired ... Full text CiteA Computational Framework to design 3D stiffness gradient acoustic metamaterials for impedance matching
Journal Article Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering · February 1, 2026 Acoustic waves play a crucial role in various applications, including medical imaging, non-destructive testing, and sonar systems. One of the significant challenges in these applications is impedance matching, which is essential for minimizing reflections ... Full text CiteFrom biomatter to bioplastics: A perspective on modeling, structure, and data-driven design
Journal Article MRS Bulletin · November 1, 2025 Biomatter-derived bioplastics—produced directly from unrefined seaweed, fungi, bacterial cellulose, and other biological feedstocks—offer a path toward manufacturing polymers with rich molecular compositions and hierarchical architectures not easily achiev ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Collaborative Research: DMREF: Accelerated Discovery of Sustainable Bioplastics: Automated, Tunable, Integrated Design, Processing and Modeling
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2023 - 2027MRI: Track 2 Acquisition of the Thermo Fischer Cryogenic Helios 5 CX DualBeam for Materials Science
EquipmentCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2023 - 2026Collaborative Research: Disciplinary Improvements: Creating a FAIROS Materials Research Coordination Network (MaRCN) in the Materials Research Data Alliance
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2022 - 2026View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
California Institute of Technology ·
1990
Ph.D.
California Institute of Technology ·
1986
M.S.
Virginia Polytech Institute and State University ·
1985
B.S.