Parsaoran Hutapea

Parsaoran Hutapea is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Temple University's College of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of the Nanoscale Instrumentation Center and leads the Composites Laboratory. His research is actively funded by the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation.

Research Interests: Dr. Hutapea specializes in the mechanics and design of medical devices, with a strong emphasis on bioinspired engineering. His work integrates applied mechanics, composite materials, and soft tissue biomechanics to innovate surgical tools, particularly focusing on mosquito-inspired needles and SMA-actuated systems. His research aims to minimize tissue damage and improve control in minimally invasive procedures.

Publication Trends: Over the past five years, Dr. Hutapea's publications reveal a consistent focus on surgical needle mechanics, bioinspired design, and composite applications in medical devices. His work combines experimental testing, finite element modeling, and control systems, often involving collaboration with students and interdisciplinary teams. Emerging themes include machine learning applications in medical sensing and clinical prediction.

• Scientific Awards:
• Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Advising and Grants: Dr. Hutapea mentors numerous students, as evidenced by his co-authorship on recent publications. He has secured substantial research funding from federal and state agencies, including the Department of Defense (CDMRP Prostate Cancer Research Program, Office of Naval Research) and the National Science Foundation, supporting his lab's innovative work in medical device mechanics.

Labs and Teams: He directs the Composites Laboratory at Temple University, a research group dedicated to advancing fundamental mechanics in medical device design. The lab fosters collaboration across engineering and medical disciplines, focusing on translating bioinspired concepts into practical surgical technologies.