Mailing Address
Department of Polymer Science and Engineering
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Silvio O. Conte National Center for Polymer Research
120 Governors Drive
Amherst, MA 01003-9263
Phone: (413) 545-0433
Department Head
Alfred J Crosby
Professor & Department Head
The Crosby Research Group investigates how soft materials store, dissipate, and transmit energy across multiple length scales. Our work combines mechanics, polymer science, and materials design to understand how interactions occurring at the molecular and microscale levels influence macroscopic behavior. By studying systems ranging from adhesives and gels to bioinspired surfaces and mechanical metamaterials, we uncover fundamental design principles that govern deformation, adhesion, fracture, impact mitigation, and shape change. Work spans four interconnected research areas: hierarchical adhesion and friction control, mechanics of gels, tissues, and thin films, impulsive deformations and dynamic instabilities, and growth and assembly of materials. Across these areas, we develop materials that leverage structure, mechanics, and dynamic interactions to achieve functionalities that cannot be predicted from material composition alone.
