James Hanna

James Hanna is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). His research focuses on classical mechanics, particularly flexible structures, with applications spanning structural dynamics, material science, and applied mathematics. He is affiliated with Palmer Engineering College and maintains a research website. Dr. Hanna actively seeks postdoctoral researchers and graduate/undergraduate students for collaborative projects. His work explores topics such as elastic plate/shell mechanics, fluid-structure interactions, and nonlinear dynamics, often addressing challenges in energy focusing, buckling, and geometric regularization.

His recent publications highlight investigations into thin film equations, Kirchhoff dynamics, and crumple interactions in elastic sheets. These studies underscore his expertise in modeling complex mechanical systems. While no specific awards are listed, his contributions to mechanical engineering research are evident through his prolific output. Advising opportunities are available, and his research group engages with topics like rotary pleating, tether dynamics, and material instabilities. No dedicated labs or teams are explicitly mentioned, but collaborations in interdisciplinary projects are implied.