Mark F. Horstemeyer

Mark F. Horstemeyer is the Giles Distinguished Professor and CAVS Chair in Computational Solid Mechanics at Mississippi State University (MSU), where he holds a faculty position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the College of Engineering. He also serves as Chief Technical Officer at the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) and has held adjunct professorships in Physics and Materials Science at MSU and Tuskegee University, respectively, as well as an honorary professorship at Xihua University in China.

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1995
• M.S., Engineering Mechanics, Ohio State University, 1987
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, West Virginia University, 1985

His research spans solid mechanics, microstructure-property modeling, multiscale simulation, finite element analysis, atomistic modeling, damage and fracture, fatigue, and bioinspired materials. He integrates computational and experimental approaches to understand material behavior across length and time scales, with applications in lightweight design, manufacturing, and biomechanics. His work emphasizes Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), linking microstructural features to macroscopic performance.

His recent publications highlight a strong focus on multiscale modeling of polymers, biological materials, and metallic systems, using molecular dynamics and finite element methods. Key themes include interatomic potential development (e.g., MEAM-BO), nanocomposite mechanics, bioinspired impact protection (e.g., woodpecker hyoid, football helmets), and constitutive modeling of complex materials. The articles demonstrate a consistent integration of computational physics with engineering design.

Dr. Horstemeyer has received numerous honors, including:

• Fellow of AAAS, ASME, SAE, and ASM
• Giles Professor (MSU’s highest honor)
• Ralph Powe Award (highest MSU research award)
• West Virginia University Distinguished Alumni Award
• Thomas French Alumni Achievement Award (Ohio State)
• Multiple Sandia Awards and R&D100 recognition

He has led major research initiatives, including founding the DOE Southern Regional Center for Lightweight Designs and Predictive Design Technologies, Inc. He advises graduate students and leads a research group focused on computational materials and mechanics, with funding from DoD, DOE, and industry. His work bridges fundamental science with engineering applications in automotive, aerospace, and biomedical fields.

His laboratory, associated with CAVS and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, conducts advanced simulations and experimental validations in material behavior under extreme conditions. The team specializes in multiscale modeling frameworks that connect atomistic simulations to continuum mechanics, enabling predictive design of next-generation materials.