Undergraduate Research Opportunities

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Extreme engineering

Project Description:

To understand the limits in designs, materials, and structures, then dial it up to 11 in extreme environments like scorching temps or faster impacts. Where most of your classes teach you to design under the limit, we start our day well beyond that point. The recent uptick in interest in eco-friendly materials and 3D printing brings even more challenges – how can we make plastics stronger than steel or improve manufacturing well beyond just 3D printing? That’s where you come in to be part of the team that strives to engineer well beyond the limits of theory and simulation.

Faculty Name and Email:

Daniel Whisler dfw5430@psu.edu

Research Area(s):

experimental mechanics

Number of Available Positions:

2

Project Start Date:

Spring 2026

Remote or In-Person or Hybrid?

In-person (lab-based)

Estimated Time Commitment:

5-10

Potential for Summer Research Continuation:

Maybe

Potential for Research Credit (496/497) or Independent Study:

Yes

Required Courses or Skills:

Willing to learn and be part of a team

Preferred Student Background: