Project Nature's Blueprint for Sustainable Construction Program DUIRI - Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship Term Fall 2026 Status Accepted Research Area Materials Description Nature has evolved remarkable strategies for constructing protective structures using locally available materials, minimal energy, and highly efficient organizational principles. Many organisms, including caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera) and tube-building marine worms (Polychaeta), create robust shelters by selecting, arranging, and binding natural particles such as sand grains, shell fragments, roots, and other environmental materials. These biological systems offer valuable lessons for addressing modern sustainability challenges in engineering, particularly the need to develop housing, infrastructure, and construction materials that require fewer resources while maintaining high performance. This interdisciplinary project combines biological sciences, materials science, mechanics, and civil engineering to investigate the architecture, material composition, and mechanical behavior of these naturally engineered structures. Through a combination of literature surveys, biological specimen collection and characterization, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and mechanical testing, we will examine how different organisms construct shelters across diverse environmental conditions. By understanding how nature achieves strength, toughness, multifunctionality, and adaptability using simple materials and low-energy processes, we aim to uncover design principles that can inspire more sustainable engineering solutions. The undergraduate researcher will play an active role in this discovery process. The student will participate in imaging and characterization of biological samples, mechanical testing, data analysis, and the development of bioinspired prototypes through additive manufacturing (3D printing). Depending on the student's interests and background, opportunities will also exist to engage in computational modeling and mechanics-based analyses to better understand the relationship between structure, material organization, and performance. The project will include both experimental and analytical components, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while exploring the frontier between biological sciences and engineering design. Ultimately, this research seeks to translate millions of years of biological evolution into practical engineering strategies for creating more sustainable materials, structures, and manufacturing methods. The project provides a unique opportunity for students interested in biomimetics, mechanics of materials, multifunctional materials, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable infrastructure to contribute to research with both scientific significance and real-world societal impact. Supervisor Pablo D Zavattieri Mentor Dylan Kenji Wainwright Type of work required The student will work closely with a Ph.D. student and faculty mentors as part of an interdisciplinary research team investigating bioinspired materials and structures. Responsibilities will include assisting with the design and fabrication of prototypes using 3D printing, conducting mechanical testing and characterization of biological and engineered samples, analyzing experimental data, and contributing to literature reviews. Depending on the student's interests and background, opportunities may also exist to participate in computational modeling and simulation activities. The student will gain hands-on experience in laboratory research while contributing directly to ongoing projects focused on sustainable materials, manufacturing, and infrastructure systems. Websites https://engineering.purdue.edu/~zavattie/
https://www.dylanwainwright.com/?_ga=2.60489261.1839461745.1781210717-1872918235.1686658855
Qualifications Preferred qualifications include coursework in engineering, materials science, or related disciplines with a strong interest in biological systems. Familiarity with CAD, data analysis, laboratory work, or programming is beneficial but not required. Students should be motivated to learn, work independently, and participate in an interdisciplinary research environment. Credit Hours 3 Weekly Hours 20 (estimated)