Chiara Daraio

Prof. Daraio's work is focused on developing new materials with advanced mechanical and sensing properties, for application in soft robotics, wearable devices, and shock/vibration absorption. Her lab is interested in understanding how different physical functions in new materials arise from their micro- and meso-structure, in both ordered and disordered media. Some of the application of her research include new materials and methods for acoustic imaging and thermal sensing for health monitoring, smart and tunable fabrics, as well as sustainable materials for packaging and construction. Her work is primarily experimental, but it is informed by numerical and analytical studies, which serve as a guide in new material design, fabrication and validation of their properties.