He is the recipient of the NSF CAREER Award and the Oak Ridge Associated Unviersities Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award. His research examines the design, synthesis, characterization, and implementation of nanoscale material systems. Current emphasis areas include the micro-mechanics of CNT forest growth and compression, 3-D carbon nanotube microstructures, energy and energetic materials, and biological inspiration. Engineering devices of interest include novel physical sensors, composite materials, and enhanced surfaces for thermal management.