Dr. Cornwell received a BS in Civil Engineering and a MS in Engineering from the University of Texas-Austin. He received a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His dissertation research involved the development and implementation of a thermodynamically consistent constitutive model of polymeric materials. Prior to receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Cornwell was employed by Exxon Production Research Company where he participated in the development of optimization and reliability methods for offshore structures. Upon completing his Ph.D., Dr. Cornwell became a Principal Engineer at the Boeing Company where he contributed to the development of analytical methods for both composite and metallic airframe structures. He also served as Chair of the Technical Team of the National Airport Pavement Test Program.