Built from liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) — rubbery polymers that shift in response to heat, light or stress — the team 3D-printed the materials into carefully engineered lattice structures. These lattices can be designed to absorb energy, stiffen, soften or even change shape, depending on their architecture and environmental conditions. The research includes several collaborators. At Oregon State, the project is led by assistant professor of mechanical engineering, Devin Roach. Other collabor