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Advanced Structures

Aerospace structures need to be sturdy, but as light as possible. Some of these materials will be traveling a long way under extreme conditions. We develop structures that are not only aerodynamic, but also lighter, stronger and more flexible to increase fuel efficiency, reduce waste and boost reusability. We are also pursuing innovative strategies such as smarter materials that can alert you when they are damaged to increase safety and make maintenance easier.

Key labs

Student club highlight

Hyperloop team

Washington Tunneling

Engineering innovative transit solutions.

Related News

A diving gannet.

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Mark receives a framed award from an astronaut.

A&A senior Mark Platonov joins the 2026 class of Astronaut Scholars

Senior student Mark Platonov has been named a 2026 Astronaut Scholar, joining a class of 79 scholars from 54 universities across the country.

Arvindh Sharma with his research poster.

SHARC Week's research poster awards

A&A’s 2026 poster presentation awards for fundamental discovery, applied innovation and scientific communication.