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
32 examples of LLM applications in materials science and chemistry: towards automation, assistants, agents, and accelerated scientific discovery.
Journal Article Machine learning: science and technology · September 2025 Large language models (LLMs) are reshaping many aspects of materials science and chemistry research, enabling advances in molecular property prediction, materials design, scientific automation, knowledge extraction, and more. Recent developments demonstrat ... Full text CiteMaRDA FAIR materials microscopy and LIMS data working groups’ community recommendations
Journal Article MRS Bulletin · July 1, 2025 Abstract: Managing, processing, and sharing research data and experimental context produced on modern scientific instrumentation all present challenges to the materials research community. To address these issues, two MaRDA Working Groups on FAIR Data in M ... Full text CiteGraph-based design of irregular metamaterials
Journal Article International Journal of Mechanical Sciences · June 1, 2025 In the field of metamaterial research, irregular structures offer a novel and less conventional approach compared to traditional periodic designs. Designing irregular metamaterials is challenging when it comes to ensuring interconnectivity, which is essent ... 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.