Gary D. Seidel

Dr. Gary D. Seidel is a Full Professor and Assistant Department Head for Academic Affairs at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's College of Engineering. He earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University (2007, 2002, 1999) and has held academic positions at Virginia Tech since 2008. His research focuses on multiscale modeling of damage evolution in multifunctional composites, particularly those incorporating carbon nanotubes.

• Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2007
• M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2002
• B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1999

Dr. Seidel's research bridges atomistic and continuum scales to analyze piezoresistivity, fracture mechanics, and multifunctional properties in nanocomposites. He develops computational tools for modeling damage in materials used for hypersonic vehicles, lunar structures, and energetic materials. His work integrates micromechanics with advanced sensor systems and topology optimization for structural health monitoring.

His recent publications focus on multiscale modeling of CNT-polymer composites, thermomechanical properties of ultra-high temperature ceramics, and piezoresistive damage sensing networks. These align with keywords like computational mechanics, nanotechnology, and materials science, covering subfields such as peridynamics, interfacial modeling, and stochastic microstructure analysis.

Scientific Awards:

• ASME Fellow (2020)
• AIAA Associate Fellow (2013)
• AFRL Summer Faculty Fellow (2017-2021)
• Oak Ridge Ralph E. Powe Award (2010)
• ASME/Boeing Best Paper Award (2016)

Dr. Seidel serves as Associate Editor for Applied Mechanics Reviews and Smart Materials and Structures, and actively participates in AIAA and ASME technical committees. He co-directs the Aerospace Structures and Materials Lab (ASML) and mentors NASA MUST undergraduate researchers, demonstrating commitment to both academic leadership and student development.