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A vision for my future research group

novaLAB

I envision novaLAB as a place where materials science, precise measurement, and predictive modeling come together. As a faculty member, I aim to build a collaborative group where students turn fundamental questions into new possibilities for the built environment.

Proposed research program

What could
come next?

Four directions for my future lab. One foundation: rigorous measurement.

IPredictFrom reactions to reliability

I aim to connect materials-scale chemical and electrochemical degradation to structural performance through thermodynamics, multiphysics models, and physics-informed machine learning.

The direction: property-evolution models that carry measured uncertainty into predictions of component and system reliability.

IIRespondFrom healing concepts to scalable materials

I plan to develop self-responsive cementitious materials using multifunctional fibers, engineered activation mechanisms, and scalable extrusion processes.

The direction: reproducible delivery systems that bring autonomous crack sealing closer to structural applications.

IIISenseBefore the first visible crack

I propose combining optical chemical sensing with strain measurements to investigate changes in pore-solution chemistry and internal stress before visible damage develops.

The direction: early degradation diagnostics supported by calibration, reference measurements, and quantified uncertainty.

IVDiscoverBetter evidence. Better material design.

I aim to link reference-grade characterization with rapid, lower-cost measurements, creating traceable datasets for interpretable, physics-informed learning.

The direction: an experimental foundation that supports prediction, sensing, and the design of responsive materials.

Future directions / Proposed independent research program

Grayscale micrograph showing material structures
Observe
Layered concrete during additive manufacturing
Create
Polished concrete cross-section showing aggregates
Connect

A shared foundation

Better measurements.
New possibilities.

See the work this builds on ↗

Let’s connect

Get in touch

For research, collaboration, or academic opportunities.

NIST Email
Hopkins Email
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