L. Catherine Brinson

Sharon C. and Harold L. Yoh, III Distinguished Professor

The Brinson lab’s research objective is to characterize and model advanced materials systems, bridging across scales, to develop new understanding of material mechanisms and transfer knowledge into FAIR datasets towards novel material design. The research activities include nanoscale experimental investigations, especially using AFM methodologies, computational predictions of material behavior using finite element analysis and micro mechanics approaches, and application of AI methods including surrogate modeling, optimization, and natural language processing. Target material systems include multiphase polymer systems, nancomposites, bioplastics, metamaterials and 3d printing materials. 

Appointments and Affiliations

  • Sharon C. and Harold L. Yoh, III Distinguished Professor
  • Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Contact Information

  • Office Location: 3379 FCIEMAS Building, Duke Campus, Durham, NC 27708
  • Email Address: cate.brinson@duke.edu
  • Websites:

Education

  • B.S. Virginia Polytech Institute and State University, 1985
  • M.S. California Institute of Technology, 1986
  • Ph.D. California Institute of Technology, 1990
  • Northwestern University, 1997
  • Northwestern University, 2003
  • Northwestern University, 2017
  • Northwestern University, 2017
  • Northwestern University, 2013
  • Northwestern University, 2017

Research Interests

Mechanics of materials, with emphasis on complex hierarchical materials and polymer based systems, and merging concepts of data science into materials. Nanoscale and bulk scale experimental characterization, modeling and simulation of the behavior of materials, including physics based and machine learning approaches. Current research foci include nanostructured polymers, interfacial behavior, structural metamaterials and data platforms for material query and design.

Awards, Honors, and Distinctions

  • A.C. Eringen Medal. Society of Engineering Science (SES). 2022
  • Fellow. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). 2020
  • Nadai Medal. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). 2014
  • Fellow. American Academy of Mechanics. 2013
  • Fellow. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 2009
  • Fellow. Society for Engineering Science. 2007
  • Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Prize. Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. 2006
  • Thomas JR Hughes Young Investigator Award. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 2003
  • National Science Foundation CAREER Awards - Multiple Sciences. National Science Foundation (NSF). 1995

Courses Taught

  • ME 758S: Curricular Practical Training
  • ME 592: Research Independent Study in Mechanical Engineering or Material Science
  • ME 591: Research Independent Study in Mechanical Engineering or Material Science
  • ME 582: Applications in Data and Materials Science
  • ME 555: Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering
  • ME 492: Special Projects in Mechanical Engineering
  • ME 491: Special Projects in Mechanical Engineering
  • ME 392: Undergraduate Projects in Mechanical Engineering
  • ME 391: Undergraduate Projects in Mechanical Engineering
  • ISS 795T: Bass Connections Information, Society & Culture Research Team
  • ISS 395T: Bass Connections Information, Society & Culture Research Team
  • COMPSCI 583: Applications in Data and Materials Science
  • CEE 521: Elasticity (GE, BB)
  • BME 526: Elasticity (GE, BB)

In the News

Representative Publications

  • Roumeli, Eleftheria, Sourena Azidhak, Ana F. Costa, Anlan Chen, Io Saito, Yiyang Sun, L. Cate Brinson, Cynthia Rudin, Linda S. Schadler, and Kayla Sprenger. “From biomatter to bioplastics: A perspective on modeling, structure, and data-driven design.” MRS Bulletin, November 11, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-025-01001-x.
  • Prabhune, Prajakta, Anlan Chen, Yigitcan Comlek, Wei Chen, and L Catherine Brinson. “Process-structure–property relation for elastoplastic behavior of polymer nanocomposites with agglomerates and interfacial gradients.” Composites Science and Technology, November 2025, 111435–111435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2025.111435.
  • Zimmermann, Yoel, Adib Bazgir, Alexander Al-Feghali, Mehrad Ansari, Joshua Bocarsly, L Catherine Brinson, Yuan Chiang, et al. “32 examples of LLM applications in materials science and chemistry: towards automation, assistants, agents, and accelerated scientific discovery.” Machine Learning: Science and Technology 6, no. 3 (September 2025): 030701. https://doi.org/10.1088/2632-2153/ae011a.
  • Taillon, J. A., E. S. Barnard, L. M. Bartolo, M. K. Y. Chan, E. A. Stach, M. L. Taheri, L. C. Brinson, and P. W. Voorhees. “MaRDA FAIR materials microscopy and LIMS data working groups’ community recommendations.” MRS Bulletin 50, no. 7 (July 1, 2025): 793–804. https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-025-00882-2.
  • Karimi Mahabadi, R., Z. Chen, A. C. Ogren, H. Zhang, C. Daraio, C. Rudin, and L. C. Brinson. “Graph-based design of irregular metamaterials.” International Journal of Mechanical Sciences 295 (June 1, 2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2025.110203.