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Professor Goulbourne’s research interests are focused on mechanics of polymers, biological membranes, electro-active polymers, and hybrid composites. Her work impacts scientific, commercial, and military applications, particularly in polymeric materials that evolve into simple passive lightweight structures with functional integration. This includes the study of electromechanical transducers, perm-selective membranes, and ballistic-resistant composites. By understanding the mechanics of polymeric materials, Goulbourne aims to provide feedback for targeted material synthesis, which requires an interdisciplinary approach and early integration of science and engineering. Electro-active polymers, a special class of functional polymeric materials, are of particular interest for applications in biomedical devices, implants, military aerospace structures, and biomimetics. As the director of the Soft Materials Research Laboratory within the Applied Mechanics Group, her team is engaged in developing new materials and experimental mechanics models, with a long-term focus on creating a framework to connect material morphology to macroscopic response and performance.
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science