Headshot for Dr De CarvalhoDr. Nelson Vieira De Carvalho has joined the University of Utah as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. De Carvalho earned his graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering from Técnico IST, part of the University of Lisbon, in 2006. He began his career at TAP Express (formerly Portugália Airlines), where he worked in the Maintenance and Flight Safety Department.

Following his time in industry, Dr. De Carvalho pursued doctoral studies at Imperial College London, obtaining a Ph.D. in Aeronautics. In 2012, he joined the Durability, Damage Tolerance, and Reliability Branch at NASA Langley Research Center, where he contributed to a range of high-impact research initiatives and mission-critical programs. His work supported flagship NASA missions such as Mars Sample Return and Orion, as well as major research efforts including the Advanced Composites Project and the Hypersonics Technology Project.

Dr. De Carvalho’s research expertise lies in the computational simulation of mechanical behavior and damage tolerance of advanced materials, including polymer and ceramic matrix composites and ablative systems. His contributions have been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the DEStech Young Researcher Award from the American Society for Composites and the NASA Exceptional Technical Achievement Medal in 2024.

“The aerospace industry is currently addressing transformative challenges,” said Dr. De Carvalho, “including the transition to sustainable aviation, the rise of urban air mobility, the advancement of supersonic and hypersonic flight, and the pursuit of affordable and sustained human presence in space. Advanced composite materials—both polymer and ceramic—play a pivotal role in meeting these challenges by enabling lightweight, durable, and structurally efficient solutions.”

At the University of Utah, Dr. De Carvalho is enthusiastic about joining the dynamic research environment of the Utah Composites Lab, where he will collaborate with Professor Michael Czabaj and Mr. Jeff Kessler. His research program will focus on the development of computational tools to:
  • Expand the design space through accurate prediction of damage tolerance and durability,
  • Guide the optimization and development of novel material systems, and
  • Accelerate the qualification and certification of advanced composites.

In addition to his research activities, Dr. De Carvalho is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He looks forward to engaging students and inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators.