Norman M. Wereley

Norman M. Wereley is the Minta Martin Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland's College of Engineering, directing the Composites Research Laboratory (CORE). He holds roles as InnoVital Systems Faculty Fellow and Keystone Professor. His research focuses on smart materials like magnetorheological fluids, active vibration control systems, and aerospace applications including helicopter dynamics and crashworthiness. He has authored over 300 publications and received numerous awards, including CAMX Technical Paper Awards and Fellowships from AIAA and ASME. Key affiliations include the Maryland Robotics Center and Alfred Gessow Rotorcraft Center.

Education includes a Ph.D. (1990) and M.S. (1987) from MIT, and a B.Eng. from McGill University (1982). His work spans advanced materials, fluid dynamics, and robotics, with applications in biomedical devices and autonomous systems. Notable contributions include the first organ transplant flight via VTOL drone and pioneering studies on adaptive energy absorbers.

Research interests emphasize magnetorheological fluids' rheology, structural health monitoring, and bio-inspired actuators. His lab develops materials for aerospace, medical, and robotic systems. Recent work includes tunable energy-absorbing foams and 3D-printed composites. Awards highlight his impact in materials science and engineering education.

Lab activities include the Composites Research Laboratory (CORE) and collaborations with NASA and industry. He serves on editorial boards for journals like Smart Materials and Structures. His work bridges fundamental material science with applied engineering solutions.