Michael Philen, Virginia Tech (IMAGE) Virginia Tech Caption Virginia Tech Assistant Professor of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering Michael Philen is the principal investigator in an interdisciplinary, three-university, National Science Foundation study to create biologically inspired material systems that have hierarchically structured sensing, actuation, and intelligent control. Credit Virginia Tech photo Usage Restrictions any coverage of Michael Philen's smart materials research License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.