The main focus of my research is on the theory of soft materials and, in particular, the study of pattern formation in continuum mechanics (e.g., elasticity and fluid dynamics). Given the highly nonlinear mathematical description of these systems, my research is aimed, on the one hand, to understand complex patterns that emerge on the surface of soft materials using minimal mathematical models. On the other hand, my research is aimed at finding directions to exploit these basic structures in practical engineering applications.