Craig

Arnold

Susan Dod Brown Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Vice Dean for Innovation

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Research interests: Laser processing and transport in materials with particular emphasis on shaping laser-material interactions

Microscope image of tin crystals, showing protruding, jagged, smooth, and stunted 3-dimensional features. — A scanning electron microscope image of tin crystals, stimulated by electricity and growing on a copper surface. A new method developed by Princeton researchers could speed up the process of designing and testing new crystalline materials. Image by Lynn Trahey, Argonne National Laboratory

Researchers harness large language models to accelerate materials discovery

Two women hold an award plaque at the ceremony — Teagan Mathur, left, a graduate student in mechanical and aerospace engineering, receives her award from Leena Memon ’25, vice president of the Engineering Council. Photos by Tori Repp/Fotobuddy

Engineering students recognize exceptional teachers and mentors

Graphic with text "Commendation for Outstanding Teaching".

Faculty commended for outstanding teaching

Microscope image of tin crystals, showing protruding, jagged, smooth, and stunted 3-dimensional features. — A scanning electron microscope image of tin crystals, stimulated by electricity and growing on a copper surface. A new method developed by Princeton researchers could speed up the process of designing and testing new crystalline materials. Image by Lynn Trahey, Argonne National Laboratory

Researchers harness large language models to accelerate materials discovery

A palm-sized octopus figurine made of hydrogel — Princeton researchers have developed a new type of recyclable hydrogel that can be cut and molded into different forms. Photos by Dan Komoda

Reusable and recyclable, this new hydrogel squishes the old version’s environmental impact

A network of intricate fibers forms a structure with a bubble at its center. — Researchers created a physical model that mimics the material structure within cells, where small liquid droplets form within fibrous networks. In the model, individual strands confined the droplets’ expansion, squeezing the separating oily liquids into disjointed, aspherical shapes. When enough oily liquid glommed together, strands cracked, and the droplets swelled into fully formed globules. The image was provided by the researchers. Its color has been adjusted for display.

Researchers built a physical model to probe the creative destruction inside cells

Student uses drill press while others observe.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Solving problems in energy, combustion, fluids, lasers, materials science, robotics and control systems, and nuclear security

Researchers, dressed in white suits, work in "clean room" lab under yellow light.

Princeton Materials Institute

Multidisciplinary research driving advances in materials science and photonics