Steven Son is co-leader of a group of researchers at Purdue University that is part of a national effort to develop new materials having super strength and other properties by using shock waves similar to those generated by meteorites striking the Earth.

A research team led by professor Shirley Dyke has demonstrated the reliability and efficiency of "real-time hybrid simulation" for testing a type of powerful damping system that might be installed in buildings and bridges to reduce structural damage and injuries during earthquakes.