Our group works in the areas of micro- and nanomechanics, with an emphasis on mechanics of materials. Our objectives are to develop ultra-reliable technologies and to explore new device concepts and test methods. We design micro- and nanomechanical structures using computer-aided software packages, and we analyze them with analytical and computer-based methods such as finite element analysis. We fabricate devices using lithography-based clean room methods, and we test them with many techniques including scanning probe, optical and electron microscopies, interferometry, velocimetry, nanoindentation and surface analysis methods such as Auger and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Testing is done in controlled atmospheres with ambient pressure ranging from atmospheric to ultra-high vacuum. Emphasis is placed on building models developed with insight from experimental results.