Thomas J. Pence is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering where he conducts research and supervises students in the area of nonlinear solid mechanics. His research interests include analytical and computational modeling, highly deformable solids (rubbers, polymers, gels, tissues, biotissue, complex soft media), failure of composites, shape memory stents and soft tissue biomechanics. Dr. Pence was attracted to solid mechanics while an undergraduate at MSU and is pleased to be teaching here after earning his Ph.D. at Caltech and holding postdoctoral appointments at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Paris-Orsay. He has also held visiting professor sabbatical appointments at the University of Rome and the University of Glasgow.
Professional Service:
- Member of the United States National Comittee on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
- Editorial Board for:
- Journal of Elasticity
- International Journal of Soids and Structures
- Journal of the Mechanics of Materials and Structures
