Bernd's work focuses on three closely related challenges: developing (1) novel modeling and simulation methodologies, (2) efficient representation and design algorithms for materials, 3D geometry, and functional objects, and (3) custom measurement systems and data-driven techniques for bridging the gap between the real and virtual world. Recent work includes: theoretical foundations and practical algorithms for measuring and modeling the deformation behavior of soft tissue; simulating and reproducing fundamental properties, such as elasticity, surface reflectance, and subsurface scattering; and computational design systems for efficiently creating functional artifacts such as soft robots, programmable materials, and mechanical systems.