Fariborz Tavangarian, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, School of Science, Engineering, and Technology

Dr. Fariborz Tavangarian is an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Penn State Harrisburg and an associate professor of biomedical engineering at Penn State University Park (Affiliated faculty). He received his Ph.D in mechanical engineering from Louisiana State University. Before joining Penn State, Dr. Tavangarian was an assistant professor at Morehead State University and a postdoctoral research associate at Louisiana State Univeristy. He is the director of the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Lab with research focused on bioinspired materials and structures, additive manufacturing, self healing materials, composites and mechanics. He has received numerous prestigious awards for his work including the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation for his research project entitled “Achieving Resilience in Brittle Materials Through Bioinspired Nested Cylindrical Structures”. Dr. Tavangarian is also leading the Research Enterprise Development (RED) Team and is the coordinator of the Remote Materials Research Collaborative (RMRC) program at Penn State Harrisburg. He successfully enhanced relationships and partnerships with industries by building networks, developing industry focused research, and facilitating industry-academic partnerships which resulted in several transfers of technology to corporations.

 

Armaghan Hashemi Monfared

Armaghan Hashemi Monfared is a PhD student and Research Assistant in Engineering Systems at Penn State University. Her research focuses on the fabrication of bone implants inspired by spicule structures. Armaghan has developed expertise in several areas, including additive manufacturing, 3D printing, SLA processes, UV-cure polymers, Abaqus finite element analysis, and experimental research. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering-Polymer Engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), where she graduated first in her class. Her master’s research focused on the synthesis and characterization of a polymer nanocomposite as a photocatalyst for gas contaminant removal under UV/VIS light.

With peer-reviewed ISI publications and over three years of industry R&D experience, Armaghan is passionate about advancing her knowledge in bioceramics, bone tissue engineering, and 3D printing methods.

Yuanxin Xiao

Yuanxin Xiao is currently a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering program at Penn State University. Research projects focus on simulating the structural properties of sponge spicules and other bio-inspired fabrics. Holds a B.S. degree in Textile Engineering from Donghua University. Research on the preparation, mechanical testing and FEM simulation of 3D woven spacer fabric composites.

Niloofar Fani

Niloofar Fani is a Master’s student in Mechanical Engineering at Penn State University and a part-time Research Assistant in our group. Her research focuses on bioinspired structures for bone tissue engineering. She has expertise in solid mechanics and uses Abaqus to simulate the mechanical behavior of cylindrical structures. Niloofar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science from Isfahan University of Technology, where she worked on nanocapsules and drug delivery systems.

Laura Conway

Laura Conway is a student at Penn State Harrisburg working on their Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Before studying for her masters, she graduated from Hofstra University majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. Laura is currently working on her thesis which highlights her knowledge in material science. After graduating, she hopes to start her career in industry.

Jenna Parke

Jenna Parke is currently a senior design engineer for EnerSys, a global leader for battery technologies.Prior to working for Enersys, Jenna was a manufacturing engineer for JLG Industries and also held an internship with the Federal Government. She has worked in various environments, including a woodworking shop and machine shop. She also attended an extensive welding course at the Berks Career & Technology Center, obtaining her TIG welding certification at the conclusion of the course. Jenna obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State in 2016 and is now pursuing her Master’s with Penn State as well.

Current Undergraduate Students

1. Adriana Belen Medina Galindo *, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: The effect of Printing orientation on the Mechanical Properties of Spicule Inspired Structures

 

Past Students

PhD Students

  1. Sorour Sadeghzade *, Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Co-Advisor, 2021.

Dissertation Title: Fabrication and evaluation of methacrylate-based rods inspired by the structure of marine sponge (Euplectella Aspergillum)

  1. Shahnaz Ghorbanzadeh Sheish *, Materials Engineering, Pardis College, Isfahan University of Technology, Co-Advisor, 2020.

Dissertation Title: Fabrication and characterization of polyvinylpyrrolidone-eggshell membrane-reduced graphene oxide nanofibers for tissue engineering applications

  1. Seyed Mehdi Mirhadi, Biomedical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Co-Advisor, 2019.

Dissertation Title: Fabrication and characterization of hierarchical TiO2 scaffolds coated with polymeric for biomedical applications

  1. Farzad Soleymani, Materials Engineering, Pardis College, Isfahan University of Technology, Co-Advisor, 2019.

Dissertation Title: Applying baghdadite/PCL/ chitosan nanocomposite coating on AZ91 magnesium alloy to improve corrosion behavior

 

 

Master Students

  1. Zahra Yahay *, MSc student, Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Co-Advisor, 2023.

Dissertation Title: Fabrication and characterization of willemite scaffolds

  1. Caleb A. Zolko, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2019.

Dissertation Title: Synthesis and characterization of akermanite powder

  1. Elahe Amirkhani Dehkordi *, Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Co-Advisor, 2019.

Dissertation Title: Microstructure and mechanical behavior of MnO2/Pb nanocomposite

  1. Behzad Mojarad Shafiee, Materials Engineering, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Co-Advisor, 2019.

Dissertation Title: Surface modification of 316L SS implants by applying bioglass/gelatin/polycaprolactone composite coatings for biomedical applications

  1. Sorour Sadeghzade *, Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Co-Advisor, 2016.

Dissertation Title: Fabrication and characterization of silicate-based nano-bioceramic composite scaffold with polymer coating for tissue engineering application

 

 

Undergraduate Students

  1. Rebeca Atmar Santos Rivera *, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Investigation of the Mechanical Behavior of Spicule Inspired Structures

  1. Junhyeong Ahn, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: 3D printing of spicule inspired structures using stereolithography technique

  1. Adriana Belen Medina Galindo *, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: The effect of Printing orientation on the Mechanical Properties of Spicule Inspired Structures

  1. Huy Bach, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Simulation of the Mechanical Properties of Spicule Structures

  1. Ethan Dorsey, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Simulation of the Mechanical Properties of Spicule Structures

  1. Abdalla Elsout, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Simulation of the Mechanical Properties of Spicule Structures

  1. Myles Hunter #, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Manufacturing and mechanical testing of spicule inspired structures

  1. Brandi Hauck *, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Manufacturing and mechanical testing of spicule inspired structures

  1. Matthew Redman, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Manufacturing and mechanical testing of spicule inspired structures

  1. Caleb Shoemaker, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Manufacturing and mechanical testing of spicule inspired structures

  1. James Devereux, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Simulation of spicule inspired structures with different printing orientation under 3-point bending test

  1. Logan Hubbard, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Simulation of spicule inspired structures with different printing orientation under 3-point bending test

  1. Logan Kleppinger, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Simulation of spicule inspired structures with different printing orientation under 3-point bending test

  1. Francisco Tejada, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: Simulation of spicule inspired structures with different printing orientation under 3-point bending test

  1. Manal Almutairi *, Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Advisor, 2023.

Research Project: The effect of printing orientation of the mechanical properties of spicule-inspired structures

  1. Emily Henwood *, Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Advisor, 2023.

Research Project: The effect of printing orientation of the mechanical properties of spicule-inspired structures

  1. Cassidee Houser *, Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Advisor, 2023.

Research Project: The effect of printing orientation of the mechanical properties of spicule-inspired structures

  1. Issac Tyger, Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Advisor, 2023.

Research Project: The effect of printing orientation of the mechanical properties of spicule-inspired structures

  1. Colin Smilnak, Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Advisor, 2023.

Research Project: The effect of printing orientation of the mechanical properties of spicule-inspired structures

  1. Nahom Kenna #, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2023-2024.

Research Project: 3D printing of spicule inspired structures using stereolithography technique

  1. Nathan Charles Halford, Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Advisor, 2022-2023.

Research Project: SEM and EDS evaluation of spicule structures

  1. Michael Melly, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2022-2023.

Research Project: Simulation of the Mechanical Properties of Spicule Structures

  1. Alejandro Toro , Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Advisor, 2022-2023.

Research Project: TEM evaluation of spicule structures

  1. Alyssa Napora *, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2022-2023.

Research Project: Simulation of the Mechanical Properties of Spicule Structures

  1. Olivia Lowe *, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2022-2023.

Research Project: Modeling of the Bending Behavior to study Nested-Cylinder Structure in Spicules

  1. Joy Gitonga *, #, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2021-2022.

Research Project: Railway yard design and operations problem

  1. Maryam Abdelaal *, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2021-2022.

Research Project: Railway yard design and operations problem

  1. Zahra Yahay *, Material Engineering, Shahreza Branch, Islamic Azad University, Co-Advisor, 2019-2022.

Research Project: Fabrication and characterization of willemite scaffolds using corn stalk as a novel bio template for bone tissue engineering applications,

  1. Shima Mahtabian *, Material Engineering, Shahreza Branch, Islamic Azad University, Co-Advisor, 2019-2022.

Research Project: From rose petal to bone scaffolds: Using nature to fabricate osteon-like scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications

  1. Delaney Shifflett *, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2020-2021.

Research Project: Characterization of spicule structures

  1. Marwan Fayed, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2018-2020.

Research Project: Fabrication, mechanical properties and in‐vitro behavior of akermanite bioceramic

  1. Camila Proano (Honor student) *, , Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2017-2019.

Research Project: The Need to Fabricate Lower Limb Prosthetic Devices by Additive Manufacturing

  1. Shahrzad Shidfar *, Material Engineering, Shahreza Branch, Islamic Azad University, Co-Advisor, 2016-2017.

Research Project: Drug delivery behavior of titania nanotube arrays coated with chitosan polymer

  1. Shay Ellafrits, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2017-2019.

Research Project: Comparison of Interlayer Adhesives in Spicules

  1. Rory Ellafrits, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2017-2019.

Research Project: 3D printing of spicule structures

  1. Vennila Pugazhenthi *, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2018-2019.

Research Project: Improving spinel crack healing behavior by utilizing the recycled fluorescent lamp glass

  1. Jacob Idowu #, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2017-2018.

Research Project: Fabrication and Development of Forsterite Scaffolds Doped with Alumina for Tissue Engineering Application

  1. Joshua Dean Gray, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2016-2017.

Research Project: The influence of interlayer adhesive on the mechanical properties of spicule inspired structures

  1. Nikita Seelam *, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2016-2017.

Research Project: Fabrication of forsterite/bioglass composite

  1. Dakota Mattison, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2016-2017.

Research Project: Production of nano-forsterite scaffolding doped with Zirconia

  1. Sophia Novak *, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, Advisor, 2016-2017.

Research Project: Fabrication and mechanical properties characterization of akermanite/forsterite nanocomposites

  1. Dakota Wooten, Engineering and technology management, Morhead State University, Advisor, 2015-2016.

Research Project: Tow-step sintering effects of the microstructure and mechanical properties of forsterite scaffolds

  1. Bryant Cornwell, Engineering and technology management, Morhead State University, Advisor, 2015-2016.

Research Project: Tow-step sintering effects of the microstructure and mechanical properties of forsterite scaffolds

  1. Lindsay Childs *, Engineering and technology management, Morhead State University, Advisor, 2015-2016.

Research Project: Tow-step sintering effects of the microstructure and mechanical properties of forsterite scaffolds