Aerospace Engineering Senior Earns Winston Family Award for Outstanding Thesis
University of Maryland (UMD) aerospace engineering senior Christopher Clark was awarded the 2025 Winston Family Honors Award for Outstanding Thesis by the University of Maryland Honors College in recognition of his innovative research on soft composite actuators known as pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs). His project, titled “Optimizing Specific Actuation Force of Soft Composite Pneumatic Artificial Muscles Using Additively Manufactured Components,” explores how lightweight, 3D-printed materials can be used to enhance the performance of PAMs in weight-limited applications. Traditionally, PAMs use aluminum end fittings, which add mass and reduce efficiency. By replacing them with 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS-R), Clark’s research demonstrates the potential to increase the specific actuation force while lowering fabrication barriers. When asked for what inspired his project, Clark said that he not only wanted to improve a PAM’s functionality, but that he wanted to improve their accessibility as well. “The use of 3D-printed materials allows more people to manufacture PAMs without the intricate machining needed to construct aluminum end fittings,” explained Clark. “My aim for this work is to open the door for further research on PAMs now that they can be easily made using 3D-printed components.” Clark conducted his research under the guidance of aerospace engineering professor Norman Wereley in the Composites Research Laboratory (CORE Lab) where Clark has been engaged with research since transferring to UMD from Harford Community College in 2023. In addition to his academic achievements, he serves as treasurer of UMD’s student chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) and as student liaison to the Baltimore-Washington regional chapter. The Winston Family Honors Writing Awards, established by UMD alumni Roger and Karen Winston, recognize the best short essays, research papers, and departmental theses produced by honors students across the university. Award recipients and their mentors will be honored at a luncheon hosted by the Winston family on April 25 at the Stamp Student Union, followed by a recognition ceremony at Memorial Chapel. After graduation in May, Clark is excited for his future, and plans to continue his education at UMD as a graduate student in aerospace engineering. His research will focus on bio-inspired continuum robots for underwater and space environments. “Being awarded the Winston Family Honors Award for Outstanding Thesis is a true honor and recognizes the hard work of honors students and supporting faculty,” said Clark “Being part of this legacy is a great privilege. I look forward to celebrating with my fellow recipients and am grateful to those whose support has made this achievement possible.”
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