Professor Lorna J. Gibson is the Matoula S. Salapatas Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT. Her research interests focus on the mechanical behaviour of materials with a cellular structure, such as engineering honeycombs and foams, tissue engineering scaffolds and natural materials such as wood, cork, trabecular bone and plant parenchyma. Room: 8-135 Telephone: 617 253-7107 Fax: 617 258-6275  Email: ljgibson@mit.edu Curriculum Vitae

Administrative Assistant

	Sandra Crawford-Jenkins Room: 8-135 Telephone:(617)253-0495 Email: crawfjen@MIT.EDU

Graduate Students

	Kevin Chen Kevin is a second-year graduate student, working on his Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering at MIT. He is working on his SM thesis on the design of composite aerogel panels for building insulation applications. Kevin did his Bachelor of Engineering in mechanical engineering from Stony Brook University in 2011. His academic interests include user-centric product/mechanical design and development, as well as manufacturing and pretty much anything else that involves hands-on work and tinkering. Kevin spends a lot of his free time exploring Boston, playing the guitar, and strength training.
	Patrick Dixon Patrick Dixon is a first year Materials Science & Engineering graduate student, working towards a PhD. Currently, he is working on the characterization of bamboo’s mechanical properties and structure. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology for his undergraduate education. His interests include composite mechanics and materials characterization. He enjoys running and swimming.

Undergraduate Students

	Arfa Aijazi Arfa is a senior at MIT majoring in Materials Science and Engineering and minoring in Applied International Studies. She is working on her senior thesis on characterizing the differences between two bamboo species, guadua and moso, as well as compiling structural applications of bamboo. Her academic interests include sustainability of the built environment and international development. In her free time, Arfa enjoys photography, visiting museums, reading food blogs.
	Astera Tang Astera Tang is a senior in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering who is currently working with Kevin Chen on designing composite aerogel panels for building insulation. She is interested in many areas of materials science and engineering, including structural and environmental materials, optical and magnetic materials, and design and manufacturing. She also likes drawing, eating chocolate and sweets, playing video games, and sleeping. Sometimes, she wishes she could win the lottery, so that she can use the money to build a cupcake-shaped mansion.