Pablo D. Zavattieri

Pablo D. Zavattieri is the Jerry M. and Lynda T. Engelhardt Professor in Civil Engineering at the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University. His research focuses on solid mechanics applied to the multiscale modeling of advanced and innovative engineering materials, with emphasis on bridging between atomistics to continuum-based models and combining computational tools with experimental validation.

Education:

• B.S./M.S., Instituto Balseiro, Argentina, 1995
• Ph.D., Purdue University, 2000

Professor Zavattieri's research spans solid mechanics applied to multiscale analysis and design of advanced architectured materials, interfaces, and complex structures. His work lies at the intersection of Solid Mechanics and Materials Engineering, focusing on developing novel materials with exceptional properties inspired by natural systems. His contributions include micromechanical models for polycrystalline materials, new fracture models for thin-walled structures, and pioneering work on biomimetic materials using 3D printing technology. Current projects investigate the multiscale modeling of heterogeneous and hierarchical materials, micro and nanomechanics of biological materials, bioinspired materials, architectured materials, micropatterned interfaces, and smart materials.

His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on understanding natural materials like chiton radular teeth, nacre, and mantis shrimp structures, translating these biological designs into engineered solutions. His recent work spans biological materials characterization, phase-transforming cellular materials, cellulose nanocrystal composites, and 3D printing of cementitious materials, consistently combining computational modeling with experimental validation across multiple length scales.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• NSF CAREER award (2013)
• Roy E. & Myrna G. Wansik Research Award (2013)
• Purdue University Faculty Scholar (2015-2020)
• Kavli Frontier of Science Fellow of the National Academy of Science (2015)
• National Academy of Engineering US Frontier of Engineering Symposium attendee (2014)
• Engineering Fracture Mechanics Journal Most Cited Articles award (2005-2009 period)
• Second Most Cited Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids Article (2007-2012)
• Cover page of Cellulose journal (2013)
• Cover page of Advanced Functional Materials journal (2014)

Professor Zavattieri has mentored numerous graduate students who have received prestigious awards including William and Mary Goetz Graduate Scholarships, William L. Dolch Graduate Scholarships, Purdue Doctoral Fellowships, and SURF Research Symposium awards. His research has been supported by NSF, AFOSR, INDOT/JTRP, Forest Product Laboratory, General Motors, Velcro, and the Purdue Research Foundation. Notable projects include a $7.5M DoD/MURI award for 'Convergent Evolution to Engineering: Multiscale Structures and Mechanics in Damage Tolerant Functional Bio-Composite and Biomimetic Materials' and multiple NSF grants focusing on biomimetic materials and 3D printing of civil infrastructure.

He directs the Multi-Scale Mechanics and Materials by Design Lab at Purdue University, which maintains a strong collaborative network with institutions including UC Riverside (David Kisailus' group), UC San Diego, Northwestern University, and UC Berkeley. The lab has produced significant research on biological materials like chiton radular teeth, mantis shrimp structures, and nacre, translating these natural designs into engineered solutions for applications in infrastructure, lightweight structural materials, and energy absorption systems.