Prof. Pourboghrat and his team of graduate students work on fundamental and applied research related to the multi-scale experimental and computational characterization of engineered materials for light weighting of vehicles.  Modeling of advanced forming processes is conducted using phenomenological yield functions, crystal plasticity, molecular dynamics, and statistical mechanics. His laboratory houses state-of-the-art sheet thermo-hydroforming and tube hydroforming presses equipped with position, velocity, force, fluid pressure, and temperature control systems to conduct unique forming experiments at high pressures and temperatures. His current research involves characterization and modeling of niobium, tin, multiphase advanced high strength steel, aluminum, in addition to polymer composites reinforced with glass, carbon, bio-fibers, clay nanotube, and graphene nano-platelets.