Research

Imagine What's Possible. Accelerate Discovery. Make Impactful and Lasting Change.

Strategic Research Areas

Advanced Manufacturing and Materials

Modeling, simulation, experimental characterization and synthesis to advance the state-of-the-art in materials design and discovery for engineering applications. Research ranges across length scales from nano to macroscopic and material classes that include metals, semiconductors, and polymers as well as biomaterials and biological tissues. Strong ties to Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) and Cornell NanoScale Science & Technology Facility (CNF).

Biomechanics

Mechanics of bone, joint, tissue, tendons, cardiovascular, and microbiome. A strong collaborative relationship with Hospital of Special Surgery (HSS).

Bioengineering and Healthcare

Technology research translated to biomedical applications, such as early cancer detection, immunology treatments, and global and mobile health.

Energy and Sustainability

Modeling and simulation of fuels (combustion), turbulence, and air pollution and emissions; wind energy, thermal energy, geoengineering, and energy/sustainable systems engineering. Strong ties to Cornell’s Energy Systems Institute and Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future.

Robotics and Autonomy

Variety of research in autonomy (e.g. perception, planning), form (e.g. soft robotics, walking robots), and interaction (e.g. with humans). Interdisciplinary collaborations across departments and Colleges at Cornell.

Space Science and Engineering

Technology to enable space missions, from Earth-observing, to deep space, to exoplanet exploration; directions include novel spacecraft designs, mission design and operations, autonomy, and propulsion.

fluid strategically guided through a ceramic structure’s pores

Technique could enable better custom ceramic fabrication

A new manufacturing technique has introduced a new level of precision to porous ceramic materials, opening a new realm of possibilities. Assistant Professor Sadaf Sobhani uses computational modeling, porous structure design and 3D printing to precisely customize the porous network.

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Intelligent Control for Autonomous Robots

Silvia Ferrari, John Brancaccio Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, is equipping autonomous robots with intelligence to go where man or woman may not be able to go—dangerous environments, complex situations underwater or in the air. These robots can be quick with decision making and physical speed. And they can collaborate with each other.

Micro and Nano-scale Science, including micro/nanodevice fabrication via Cornell Nanoscale Science and Technology Facility (CNF) and crystalline scale modeling and measurements via x-rays at CHESS.
Systems Engineering, including developing and validating tools for products and systems, such as systems architecture and optimization of large scale systems, human-centered design, and sustainable design.
Applied Mathematics, including strong ties to the Center of Applied Mathematics.

Collaborate

With some of the most expert faculty in mechanical and aerospace engineering and theoretical and applied mechanics
Across disciplines in Cornell’s uniquely interdisciplinary infrastructure
With researchers from across nations who work in academia, industry, and government
With some of the world’s most elite students

Experience

Pioneering advancements in aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, aerospace systems, and control
Groundbreaking developments in biomedical mechanics, engineering materials, fluid dynamics, and nanotechnology
Nationally recognized research initiatives such as the Cornell University Satellite Project
Top-notch research facilities including the Nanobiotechnology Center and the Cornell Center for Materials Research
Finding real-world solutions to today’s most urgent problems

Distinguish Yourself

With a multidisciplinary approach to mechanical and aerospace engineering
As an innovative thinker and academic leader
With the Cornell name, network, and reputation