Research

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

Strategic Research Areas

Material

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).

bone

Biomechanics

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

Nutriphone

Bioengineering and Healthcare

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

Wind Turbines

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.

Robotic Hand

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.

Mason Peck with Satellite

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.

Our Research Themes Cut Across Multiple Strategic Directions

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