Faculty Profile: Helio Matos

  • Assistant Professor, Mechanical, Industrial & Systems Engineering
  • Joined College of Engineering faculty in 2020

Which research topics are you most interested in?
I’m mostly interested in the dynamic behavior of materials and structures, particularly pertaining to novel materials such as composite systems and multifunctional structures because research in those areas can lead to exciting novelties in the future.

Helio Matos
Assistant Professor Helio Matos

What technology do you use for your research? 
Most recently, I’ve been using 3D printing to create novel material systems for my research at URI. We have a Carbon M2 3D printer that is used to create power structures and we’re in the process of acquiring a large-scale continuous fiber robotic arm 3D printer. To perform experiments, we use high-speed camera systems to record and analyze structures being subjected to dynamic loads, such as blast loading or ballistic impact.

Who are you collaborating with on your research?
I am in close collaboration with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Composite Energy Technologies and Nautilus Defense. I also work with faculty from other universities, including the University of Connecticut and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Why did you decide to work at URI?
When I learned about the faculty position at URI, I thought it would be a great opportunity to be part of a lab that conducts many interesting research projects.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? 
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also spend a great deal of time renovating my house.