B.S. Civil Engineering, University of Virginia, 1996 Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2000

Guided by fundamental science, my research group takes inspiration from examples in nature, as well as ubiquitous yet complex materials such as fabric, to develop and exploit simple, creative, and novel design paradigms that will change the way scientists, engineers, and the general public use and understand materials. I organize my research along four themes: Bioinspired Adhesion & Friction (Geckskin™), Growth & Assembly, Mechanics of Gels, Tissues and Thin Films and Impulsive Deformations.