My research focus is processing-structure-property relationships in light metals.  In order to accelerate the development of new materials, it is important to be able to predict local mechanical properties and their evolution through processing.  I conduct quantitative microstructure characterization in order to generate microstructural descriptors that can be used for model calibration and validation and I develop analytical models to describe microstructure evolution as a function of processing history. My research can be roughly divided into two areas:  (1) recrystallization, grain growth, and texture evolution in wrought materials and (2) microstructure evolution and solidification segregation in cast alloys.   An understanding of the evolution of mechanical properties (primarily strength, ductility, and formability) can be obtained by applying a mechanistic understanding of how microstructure affects properties in these systems.