I lead the Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Bioinspiration, which focuses on 1) the study of the structure and mechanics of natural materials, and 2) the design, fabrication and testing of bio-inspired structural and multifunctional materials. Representative projects: • Mechanics of deformation and fracture in biological materials: Structure-mechanics-performance-function relationships in high-performance natural materials such as bone, teeth, structural proteins, seashells, fish scales and fish fins. • Design, fabrication and testing of novel bioinspired materials: New bio-inspired microstructures and innovative fabrication methods including three-dimensional laser engraving, 3D printing. Applications in bioengineering, aerospace, construction, electronics. • Mechanics of engineered granular materials: materials and structured made of grains with engineered shapes and arrangement to achieve high strength and infinite recyclability
