Elliot Douglas
Douglas is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Florida.
Douglas' research efforts are focused in three areas. He is investigating the structure and assembly of collagen for tissue engineering applications. In collaboration with CMSE member Laurie Gower he has created the first artificial bone composites that exactly mimic the nanostructure of real bone. He is continuing this work by creating collagen scaffolds with controlled structure to optimize mechanical properties, as well as investigating the physical chemistry aspects of collagen assembly. A second area of research is in the area of epoxies for composite applications. Currently he is working with faculty in the Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering to investigate long-term durability of composites being used for repair of concrete bridge beams. He recently received an NSF grant to understand the fundamentals of adhesion between epoxy and cement. His third research area is in engineering education. He has conducted research on critical thinking, showing that standard multiple choice tests of critical thinking actually measure test-taking skills more than actual critical thinking. He has recently received an NSF grant to develop guided inquiry activities for the Introduction to Materials course. He is also looking at the application of qualitative research methods for understanding engineering education.
