I. Joga Rao

Dr. I. Joga Rao is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). He joined NJIT in 2000 and served as Department Chair from 2014 to 2024. His research focuses on continuum mechanics and constitutive modeling with applications in polymers, biomechanics, and high-temperature materials.

Education

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University (1999)
• M.S., University of California, Berkeley (1992)
• B.Tech., Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (1990)

Research Focus

Dr. Rao specializes in the thermodynamics and mechanics of smart materials, particularly shape memory polymers. His work integrates theoretical frameworks with numerical simulations to model light-activated systems, crystallization dynamics, and biological tissue growth. Key research themes include:

• Multi-physics modeling of polymer systems
• Viscoelastic behavior under thermal/optical stimuli
• Inhomogeneous deformation mechanisms
• High-temperature material performance

Publication Trends

Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on advanced shape memory polymers, including triple-shape systems, light-activated networks, and crystallizable materials. Computational modeling of thermo-mechanical behavior and experimental validation are consistent themes. Work frequently combines continuum mechanics with polymer physics to predict complex material responses.

Awards and Honors

• Robert W. Van Houten Award for Teaching Excellence (2010)
• Air Force Summer Faculty Fellow (2009, 2008)
• NJIT Excellence in Teaching Award (2008)
• Newark College of Engineering Teaching Award (2005)

Grants and Advising

His research has been funded by NSF, DOE, and the Air Force. While specific student advisees aren't listed, his leadership as department chair suggests extensive academic mentorship. No explicit lab/team details are provided in the source text.