Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Guided wave interactions with damage in materials

Project Description:

Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation and structural health monitoring can identify material degradation in structural components. Sensors are needed to send and receive elastic waves that interact with the material. Projects may involve creating damage, characterizing it microscopically, and detecting it with ultrasound.

Faculty Name and Email:

Cliff Lissenden cjl9@psu.edu

Research Area(s):

ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation

Number of Available Positions:

1-2

Project Start Date:

Fall 2026

Remote or In-Person or Hybrid?

In-person (lab-based)

Estimated Time Commitment:

~10

Potential for Summer Research Continuation:

Maybe

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

Maybe / to be discussed

Required Courses or Skills:

EMCH 416 would be helpful

Preferred Student Background:

About

The Penn State Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) is an internationally distinguished department that is recognized for its globally competitive excellence in engineering and scientific accomplishments, research, and educational leadership.

Our Engineering Science program is the official undergraduate honors program of the College of Engineering, attracting the University’s brightest engineering students. We also offer graduate degrees in ESM, engineering mechanics, engineering at the nano-scale, and an integrated undergraduate/graduate program.