Steven J. Pagano

Steven J. Pagano is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Widener University, affiliated with the Mechanical Engineering (BS) and International Engineering (BA/BS) programs. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics from Drexel University (2019), an MS from Drexel (2016), and dual BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Physics from Widener (2013). His research focuses on dynamic fracture and fragmentation of brittle polymers and composites, alongside instrumentation and metrology in experimental design.

Education:

• PhD, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Drexel University (2019)
• MS, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Drexel University (2016)
• BS (Dual), Mechanical Engineering & Physics, Widener University (2013)

Research Interests: Pagano investigates dynamic fracture mechanics, materials behavior under impact, and experimental techniques like digital image correlation. His work bridges fundamental materials science with engineering applications, including biomedical uses of failure mechanics.

Awards:

• Koerner Family Awards (2019)
• George C. Hill Jr. Endowed Fellowship (2016)
• National Science Foundation Honorable Mention (2014)
• Deans III Fellow, Drexel University (2013-2014)

Advising & Grants: While no explicit grants are noted, Pagano emphasizes student mentorship, having served as an Engineering Teaching Fellow at Drexel for 4 years before returning to Widener to focus on pedagogy and student success.